Hong Kong researchers help complete lunar sampling for Chang'e-5

HONG KONG - The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) research team, which developed one of the key systems for China's first lunar sample return mission, has done more than 1,000 times of simulation to help complete the sampling, the team leader said on Thursday.

The return capsule of Chang'e-5 probe touched down on Earth early Thursday, bringing back China's first samples collected from the moon.

"Satisfied, excited, happy!" Yung Kai-leung, chair professor of Precision Engineering and associate head of Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of PolyU, who led the research team, told the media that he stayed up until 3:00 am local time on Thursday to witness the return.

Chang'e-5 probe adopts two methods of moon surface sampling, one uses a robotic arm for multiple-point surface sample collections, and the other is to drill underground.

The PolyU-developed system, the "Surface Sampling and Packing System," was developed in collaboration with the China Academy of Space Technology. The PolyU team was tasked in 2011 to develop the system for lunar surface sampling, packaging and sealing.