The Centre for AI Robotics in Space Sustainability (CAIRSS) at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has secured HKD 46 million in funding from Stellar Rise Global Holdings Limited (Stellar Rise) to develop advanced bio-inspired robotic manipulation technologies for in-orbit operations. The project aims to support space debris removal and enable next-generation in-orbit manufacturing. With strong backing from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the project targets an in-orbit demonstration by 2029, contributing to the sustainable development of space technology and the space economy, while supporting the nation’s goal of advancing its position as an aerospace powerhouse.
The project is supported by initial funding from Stellar Rise. The signing ceremony for the official funding agreement was held recently on campus, where Dr. KIM Shin-Cheul, CEO of HKUST R and D Corporation Limited, and Mr. WAN Sihai, Director of Stellar Rise, signed on behalf of their respective organisations, marking the launch of collaboration on in-orbit robotics research and applications.
The project is led by Prof. GAO Yang, a renowned space robotics expert, Director of CAIRSS, and Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at HKUST. Through the Beijing-Shanghai-Hong Kong Innovation Hub on Space Intelligence (BSH Innovation Hub), the initiative brings together leading space experts from the three cities and collaborates with the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of CAS (IAM-CAS, Shanghai) and the Centre for Space Utilization of CAS (CSU-CAS, Beijing). IAM-CAS will provide small satellite platforms to enable in-orbit testing and mission participation, addressing the growing challenge of space debris while supporting on-orbit servicing and infrastructure development. CSU-CAS will support the project through its expertise and infrastructure for both manned and unmanned spaceflight.
Unlike conventional space robots that rely on rigid-body designs, the research team will explore bio-inspired actuation technologies, drawing insights from biological systems such as muscle structures and natural motion. The project aims to develop a new generation of highly flexible, dexterous robotic systems capable of operating in complex and dynamic space environments. These systems will be able to perform sophisticated tasks-such as assembling large structures and capturing tumbling debris-with greater precision and reliability.
Currently serving as Director of the HKUST-led, InnoHK Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Center, Prof. Gao Yang has over two decades of experience in space robotics and is leading the international “Hong Kong Operation Robot” project for the national Moon landing mission. She said, “Traditional space robots are typically designed for specific tasks and rely on pre-programmed operations, which limit their adaptability in uncertain environments. In contrast, biological systems-such as octopus tentacles or elephant trunks-demonstrate remarkable flexibility and dexterity, offering valuable inspiration. By developing bio-inspired robotic actuation, we aim to redefine robotic operations in space. This research will establish important scientific and engineering foundations for next-generation in-orbit robotics.”
Prof. ZHANG Yonghe, Deputy Director of IAM-CAS remarked, “The orbital environment provides the ideal testing ground for next-generation robotic actuation technologies. We are pleased to work closely with Prof. Gao’s team, as we share a common vision. Through this partnership, we aim to jointly advance a sustainable framework for space operations and promote the development of reusable space technologies.”
Prof. SHU Leizheng, Director of the Science and Technology Department at the Centre for Space Utilization of CAS (CSU-CAS) said, “We have already established strong collaboration with CAIRSS through our joint-lab initiative on space intelligence, which serves as a foundation for the BSH Innovation Hub. We look forward to combining the Chinese Mainland’s expertise in space utilization with HKUST’s world-class robotics and AI research. This is a cross-disciplinary project with the potential to drive meaningful progress-not only in areas such as space debris mitigation and in-orbit manufacturing, but also in building a sustainable foundation for long-term human-robot collaboration in space.
Mr. Wan Sihai said, “Over the past decade, the nation’s space industry has advanced rapidly. For Hong Kong to seize the opportunities arising from this momentum, it must leverage the strong research foundations of local universities in aerospace technology and deep-space exploration to accelerate technology translation and industrial adoption. This collaboration will help us progressively build capabilities in key aerospace technologies such as intelligent systems, precision control, and system integration, while exploring applications in on-orbit servicing, operations and maintenance, and data-driven solutions. These efforts will support the development of new space technologies and lay the foundation for a sustainable space economy.”
In recent years, HKUST has continued to advance research in deep-space exploration and low-Earth-orbit satellite technologies. Following the successful launch of Hong Kong’s first university-developed satellite in 2023, HKUST was selected in 2024 by the China National Space Administration to lead the international “Hong Kong Operation Robot” project for the national Moon landing mission, bringing together global aerospace scholars and experts to develop a multi-functional lunar surface operation robot designed to make significant contributions to the national lunar exploration missions.
