The HKU Academy for the Talented, the HKU Laboratory for Space Research (LSR) and the Orion Astropreneur Space Academy (OASA) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding in mid-May to jointly offer a first-of-its-kind Space Technology initiative in Hong Kong named the “Business Economy for Space Technology (BEST)” programme for secondary school students.
This STEM initiative aims to nurture the next generation of “Astropreneur” with an understanding of how Space Technology and Space Data can generate a myriad of business opportunities in the “NewSpace” era.
Under this bold initiative, secondary school students will apply Space Technology to seek to tackle critical issues and imminent challenges such as those under the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. School teams will build a CubeSat prototype with the use of computer-aided design tools.
To give participants authentic exposure to project management, there will be dedicated lectures and year-round workshops with professional mentorship guidance on topics of space science, engineering and astropreneurship, the concept and mission of a CubeSat, as well as prototype build and deployment.
Through solid training in leadership, teamwork, critical and analytical thinking and communication and presentation skills, they will accomplish a common goal together with their team members. The “BEST” CubeSat design chosen by our expert judges may even form the basis of a viable CubeSat mission for launch.
The Director of Undergraduate Admissions and International Student Exchange, HKU stated that it is hoped that secondary school students taking part in this initiative can exchange ideas with professionals of Space Technology to design and produce a “CubeSat,” and learn how to utilise Space Data to yield profitable business opportunities and plan the future blueprint for human beings.”
The Chairman of OASA said that exciting new opportunities in space businesses are launching across the globe. The innovative programme prepares students with a forward-thinking mindset and enables them to be space-ready, entrepreneurial and be equipped with practical skills to make the most of these opportunities.
The NewSpace economy has arrived in Hong Kong; without the use and application of data from Space, Hong Kong will never be a Smart City, he added.
Secondary schools and students who are interested in the “BEST” initiative are welcome to apply and attend a virtual information session on 20 July 2021, and are encouraged to visit the website for details of the information session.
About The Academy for the Talented
The Academy for the Talented, established in 2011 at the University of Hong Kong, is a membership-based programme that brings together global students from diverse backgrounds. The unique programme challenges members to better understand their intellectual potential and advance their academic and personal development.
About the HKU Laboratory for Space Research (LSR)
The HKU Laboratory for Space Research (LSR) strives to play an important role in strategically positioning astrophysics, space and planetary research of both HKU and Hong Kong SAR to a higher level.
About OASA
OASA, or The Orion Astropreneur Space Academy (Hong Kong) Limited, is an NGO that has been established to accelerate talents and start-ups for NewSpace opportunities throughout the world, starting from the international city of Hong Kong. OASA works closely with all universities, mindful employers and helps them establish STEAM programs where youths can learn how to build their own careers in the NewSpace era and improve ESG.
