HKUST Hosts Special Screening and Expert Session of the Documentary "Shen Zhou 13"

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) hosted a special screening of the documentary “Shen Zhou 13” on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Tsang Shiu Tim Art Hall on campus. The event attracted nearly 200 HKUST faculty, students, alumni, and members of the wider community to explore Hong Kong's role and opportunities in space science, advanced technology, and the emerging space economy. Attendees gained insights into China's manned space missions and experienced an immersive portrayal of life in space.

“Shen Zhou 13” is China's first 8K ultra-high-definition documentary filmed entirely in space. Captured by Shenzhou-13 astronauts ZHAI Zhigang, WANG Yaping, and YE Guangfu using domestically developed 8K cameras aboard the China Space Station, the film documents their six-month mission, offering viewers an authentic glimpse into the daily lives and emotional journeys of astronauts in outer space.

The Guest of Honor, the Honourable Mr. Duncan CHIU, a member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council (Functional Constituency - Technology and Innovation) and Mr. DU Heting, Assistant General Manager of the Beijing-Hong Kong Exchange of Personnel Centre under the Hong Kong Office of the Ministry of Science and Technology delivered the remarks, while Ms. Kitty CHOI Kit-Yu, Council Member of HKUST also attended the event. Prior to the film screening, a discussion was led by Prof. GAO Yang, Director of the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre, Director of the HKUST Centre for AI Robotics in Space Sustainability, Co-Director of the Space Science and Technology Institute, and Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Prof. SU Hui, Chair Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Co-Director of Space Science and Technology Institute and Global STEM Professor at HKUST.

Prof. Gao shared how the HKUST-led Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre (HKSREC) –established under the InnoHK research clusters – is leading an international research team participating in the "Hong Kong Operation Robot" project, which aims to develop a multi-functional lunar surface operation robot for the national Chang'E-8 lunar exploration mission. Prof. Su, on the other hand, disclosed for the first time the technical details of the high-precision greenhouse gas point source detector project. This groundbreaking project plans to deploy a high-precision payload on the China Space Station via the Tianzhou-10 cargo spacecraft in May 2026 to monitor greenhouse gas emissions.

Prof. Gao stated, "To see our astronauts translate their firsthand experience into this narrative is profoundly moving. It's not just a story; it's a testament from those who have truly been in space. Their perspective on isolation, systemic fragility, and the absolute dependency on technology aligns perfectly with our core research. At the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre (InnoHK) led by HKUST, we are engineering the next generation of robotic systems to address the very challenges the film so vividly portrays. They have shown us the dream from inside the capsule. Our job in Hong Kong is to build the tools that will make that dream durable, sustainable, and a permanent reality for humanity among the stars."

Prof. Su said, "The stunning 8K footage of ‘Shenzhou 13’ is more than a documentary; it is a profound lesson in the human spirit — the courage to explore, the strength in unity, and the devotion that fuels every great endeavor. It captures the very essence of pushing the boundaries of the possible. At the Space Science and Technology Institute, this same spirit drives our mission to propel space science and technology, foster collaboration, and help build Hong Kong into a leading hub for space innovation."

The screening was co-hosted by HKSREC, the Space Science and Technology Institute, HKUST's Office of Mainland Affairs, and the Mainland Students and Scholars Society. Through this event, HKUST aims to inspire younger generations to engage in innovation in aerospace and deep space exploration, as well as to celebrate the nation's groundbreaking achievements in space science.