“Macao Satellite, Space Dream, The Chinese Dream”
– Space Science Exhibition in Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Macao’s Return to the Motherland
Group photo of the Opening Ceremony
What a pleasure it is that Macao has a role to play in the Chinese space dream. Winter days in Macao are filled with spring-like warmth. On December 15 of 2019, jointly supervised by the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao S.A.R., and the China National Space Administration, the “Macao Satellite, Space Dream, The Chinese Dream” – Space Science Exhibition in Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Macao’s Return to the Motherland opened in Macau University of Science and Technology. The Exhibition employs of pictures and models to demonstrate the development of Macao’s first science and technology experiment satellite. The works on display capture and chronicle the most unforgettable moments of time showcasing Macao’s support to the motherland’s space missions, accomplishments resulting from exchanges and cooperation between Macao and the Mainland in the space field, and the course of development of the Chinese space program. In spirit, the Exhibition conveys the shared dreams of the communities in the Mainland and Macao, their determinations in advancing science, exploring the unknown, breaking new grounds, and overcoming obstacles and best wishes for the fulfillment of The Chinese Dream through the space dream.
Before the opening ceremony, Chief Executive Chui Sai On of the Macao Special Administrative Region and Administrator Zhang Kejian of the China National Space Administration signed an “Agreement between the China National Space Administration and the Macao Special Administrative Region on the Project of Joint Development of Geomagnetic Observation Science and Technology Experiment Satellite”, hoping to move forward Macao’s first science and technology experiments satellite and power its development with space science and technology.
Plaque-Unveiling for China National Space Administration Macao Space Exploration and Science Center (from left: President Liu Liang, Administrator Zhang Kejian, Vice Chairman Edmund Ho Hau Wah, and Deputy Director Yao Jian)
The Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Committee (CPPCC) Mr. Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Administrator of the China National Space Administration Mr. Zhang Kejian, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao S.A.R. Dr. Alexis Tam Chon Weng, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao S.A.R. Mr. Yao Jian, Director of the Department of General Affairs, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the P.R.C. in the Macao S.A.R. Mr. Zhang Jian, Vice Administrator of the China National Space Administration Mr. Wu Yanhua, Honorary Director of the China Space Foundation Mr. Ng Fok, CPPCC Member and Chairman of the University Council of Macau University of Science and Technology Dr. Liu Chak Wan, Vice Manager of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Mr. Yang Baohua, Director of the China Space Foundation Mr. Wu Zhijian, Chairman of the Administrative Committee of the Macao Foundation Mr. Wu Zhiliang, President of the Administrative Committee of the Science and Technology Development Fund Mr. Ma Chi Ngai, President of Macau University of Science and Technology Chair Prof. Liu Liang, representatives from governmental departments of the Macao S.A.R. and Macao universities, and secondary school presidents attended the opening ceremony. Vice Administrator Wu Yanhua of the China National Space Administration read the “Letter from the China National Space Administration on Agreeing to Establish Macao Space Exploration and Science Center”.
Administrator Zhang Kejian delivered a speech
Administrator Zhang Kejian delivered a speech at the opening ceremony. He extended warm congratulations to the opening of the Space Science Exhibition, and said that the China National Space Administration placed great emphasis on Macao’s development in the field of space science and technology, and encouraged the Hong Kong and Macao science and technology community to participate in national space projects. At the time when Macao celebrates its 20th anniversary of returning to the Motherland, the signing of the Agreement for Macao’s first scientific satellite has opened a new chapter for the collaboration between Macao and the Mainland in space projects. It has become another successful case for the collaborations of the Mainland and Macao in jointly developing space science. It has also constituted a major breakthrough on the part of the various social figures from the Motherland in trying to employ space technologies to engage in scientific cooperation and conduct scientific research. Furthermore, it has been a stimulating attempt on the part of the universities, research institutes, scientists and scholars across the the Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan to engage in research innovations and collaborations, develop science projects, and fulfill scientific exploration goals. Above all, it has been a gift to mark the 20th anniversary of Macao’s return to the Motherland. It was hoped that by way of the series of events provided by the “Macao Satellite, Space Dream, The Chinese Dream” Space Science Exhibition, the general public in Macao could enhance participation in space science, reinforce the Chinese identity of the Macao public, cultivate an encouraging atmosphere for the younger generations of science explorers, and integrate forces for the fulfillment of the great Chinese Dream of rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation.
President Liu Liang gave a welcome speech
President Liu Liang also gave a speech. He noted that Macau University of Science and Technology started to take part in data analysis and scientific research in relation to “Chang’E Lunar Exploration Program” as early as in 2005; it was the University in the Hong Kong and Macao region that took part in the national lunar-probing projects in the earliest time and for the largest number of times. In July last year, the Ministry of Science and Technology of the P.R.C. officially approved M.U.S.T. to establish the “State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Sciences”, which was inaugurated on October 8. The SKL thus became China’s first state key laboratory in the field of astronomy and planetary sciences. M.U.S.T. has also been proactive in organizing events to drive popularization of space education among the Macao public, offering tours for primary and secondary school students to visit the state key laboratory, and designating special professionals to explain the national deep space exploration programs and the latest scientific discoveries. Today, the China National Space Administration approved M.U.S.T. to establish the “China National Space Administration Macao Space Exploration and Science Center”, which could take advantage of Macao’s strengths in terms of geographic location and resources and become a bridge for space exchanges between China and the international community and make the Chinese space science and technology reach the world. In the meantime, the Center could also provide scientific support for national deep space exploration missions, make contributions to develop the Greater Bay Area international scientific innovation center and to the diversified sustainable development of Macao economy, and make meaningful contributions to the successful implementation of the One Country, Two Systems policy.
Secretary Alexis Tam Chon Weng revealed the name of Macao’s first science and technology experiment satellite
At the ceremony, Secretary Alexis Tam Chon Weng for Social Affairs and Culture revealed the name of Macao’s first science and technology experiment satellite. The Satellite is named “Macao Science 1”. The naming event for the Satellite was launched on October 9, 2019. Local communities took part in the naming enthusiastically. Within just a month, altogether over 1,100 persons participated in the event and contributed with over 1,500 names. The Satellite is expected to be launched in 2021. It aims to observe the specificities of the geomagnetic dynamics in the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA), to forecast recent changes in the geomagnetic field, and collect information regarding the wide band energy spectrum of high-energy electronic particles in the radiation belt, which bears significantly for the relevant geoscience problems.
Group photo at the award-presentation ceremony for “Outstanding Contribution Awards for China Space Development”
Also at the opening ceremony, “Outstanding Contribution Awards for China Space Development” were presented to Vice Chairman of CPPCC Mr. Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Honorary Director of the China Space Foundation Mr. Ng Fok, CPPCC Member, Vice Director of the China Space Foundation, and Chairman of the University Council of Macau University of Science and Technology Dr. Liu Chak Wan, Vice Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of Macau, Council Member of the China Space Foundation and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the MUST Foundation Mr. Chui Sai Cheong, Former CPPCC Member, Council Member of the China Space Foundation and Council Member of Macau University of Science and Technology Mr. Yan Yanling, Council Member of the China Space Foundation and Council Chairman of the University of Macao Mr. Lam Kam Seng, Council Member of the China Space Foundation and Council Chairman of the City University of Macao Mr. Chan Meng Kam, Chairman of the Administrative Committee of the Macao Foundation and Council Member of the China Space Foundation Mr. Wu Zhiliang, Council Member of the China Space Foundation and Council Member of Macau University of Science and Technology Mr. Leonel Alberto Alves, and decedent of the late China Space Foundation Member Mr. Chong Lap Hong. The guests also unveiled the plaques for the China National Space Administration Macao Space Exploration and Science Center and the Macao satellite model. Following the opening ceremony, the guests proudly toured the Exhibition.
Vice Administrator Wu Yanhua read the “Letter from the China National Space Administration on Agreeing to Establish Macao Space Exploration and Science Center”
The space science exhibition consists of three sections, “Macao Satellite”, “Space Dream” and “The Chinese Dream”. At the multi-purpose room of the Block R Academic Complex of Macau University of Science and Technology, the Chang’E 4 lander, the Chang’E 5 carrier rocket, and model of Macao’s first science and technology experiment satellite are on display amongst over 50 valuable historic pictures. The works showcase the three milestones in the development of the China space program, and demonstrate the admirable spirits of the respected Two Booms and One Satellite founding scientists and the “Four Masters of China Space”. Also recorded by the works on display were cherished moments such as when patriotic Macao businessmen raised funds to establish the China Space Administration and the support of various forms to China space development by the Macao communities. The Exhibition disseminates the spaceman ship spirits, popularizes space knowledge, helps the exhibition-goers to recall and remember the space history, stimulate sense of pride and enthusiasm for space exploration. What’s more, in order to add a layer of education, fun and entertainment, the Exhibition also affords a special area for science interaction experiences, such as “Shenzhou Space Lander Experience” and the “Mars Rescue Space Chairs Experience”.
Ribbon-cutting at the Opening Ceremony of the “Macao Satellite, Space Dream, The Chinese Dream” – Space Science Exhibition in Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Macao’s Return to the Motherland
Attending guests toured the Exhibition (from left: Vice Administrator Wu Yanhua, Vice Chairman Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Secretary Alexis Tam Chon Weng, Chairman Liu Chak Wan, andAdministrator Zhang Kejian)
The Exhibition is jointly organized by the Macao Foundation and the China Space Foundation, and held by Macau University of Science and Technology and China National Space Administration. The display opens to the public from the date till January 12, 2020. During the opening period, the show will invite teachers and students from secondary and primary schools to tour for visit and offer them science education talks so as to enable the Macao youths to appreciate the great accomplishments of our country in space science development and stimulate their interests in space science and technology and space expirations.
