In December 2020, China's lunar exploration mission successfully conducted its first lunar surface sampling. The Chang'e 5 probe adopted two methods of sampling, one was drilling underground, and the other was using a robotic arm to do surface sample collections. The surface sampling system was developed by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

"A total of 1,731 grams of lunar soil were collected, of which about 1,500 grams were picked up by the robotic arm, which is a very important part of Chang'e 5," Qian said, adding that this demonstrated the strength of Hong Kong scientists in deep space exploration and the country's support for Hong Kong's scientific research.

Both Qian and Michalski believed that the establishment of a space research community among Hong Kong universities can lay a foundation for future cooperation and exploration, and better serve the deep space exploration study.