MUST opens new space research institute

The Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) inaugurated a new institute for space research and application on Sept. 1, the university has announced in a statement.

Named the Macau Institute of Space Technology and Application, the new research body is a new platform for space research, according to the university.

At the opening ceremony, the director of Economy of the Macau government, Tai Kin Ip, said that after more than four years of joint effort by the local government, the China National Space Administration and MUST, the Macau Science-1 artificial satellite was launched in May this year.

The satellite, he added, is a powerful symbol of Macau’s integration into the country’s technological development plan, and an important carrier for developing international aerospace cooperation by leveraging Macau’s advantages as a cooperation platform and in line with the direction of national construction.

He hoped the institute can play a positive role in the development of Macau’s aerospace science and technology in the future.

Meanwhile, the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory director, Shen Zhiqiang, said in his online speech that the establishment of the institute is not only a highlight of scientific and technological cooperation between Macau and the mainland, but also an important symbol of Macau’s blueprint for planning a technological innovation layout and upgrading its industrial structure.

MUST vice president He Jun said that the new institute would contribute wisdom and strength to building a world-class scientific and technological power and promote Chinese-style modernization.

The ceremony also saw the signing of a cooperation memorandum and a cooperation agreement.