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To enhance local secondary students' understanding of China's advances in aerospace science and foster a culture of innovation in Hong Kong, the Home Affairs Bureau and the China Manned Space Agency have jointly organised the Space Science Experiment Design Competition for Hong Kong Secondary School Students. One or more chosen experiment designs will have the opportunity to be demonstrated onboard the Tiangong-2 space station.
The competition is co-organised by the Education Bureau and implemented by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), the China Astronaut Research and Training Center, and the China Academy of Space Technology.
The Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs, Ms Gracie Foo, the Deputy Secretary for Education, Dr Catherine K K Chan, and Executive Director of HKPC, Mrs Agnes Mak, officiated at the launch ceremony today (October 14).
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Foo said that the China Manned Space Agency and the Home Affairs Bureau hope to further stimulate young people's interest by focusing on the successful experience of the Shenzhou spacecraft and Tiangong-1 space station, as well as to enhance Hong Kong students' knowledge of the nation's progress in space technology and aviation.
Introducing details of the Competition, Mrs Mak said that aerospace technology is a driver of innovation that encourages us to delve into the realm of the unknown. Innovation and creativity are core competences of the community, as well as being key to the sustainable development of Hong Kong. Through this competition, the HKPC hopes to arouse the interest of youngsters in innovative technology, and in turn nurture more creative talents for our future, she said.
All Hong Kong secondary schools are eligible to participate on a team basis in designing experiments which are feasible for conducting in space. The judging panel will assess the submitted entries of the preliminary round and shortlist 20 top teams for the final round based on five criteria - innovation, scientific validity, experimental feasibility, safety, and clarity of presentation. The shortlisted teams will receive technical guidance from experts and undergo the final assessment interview to compete for the prizes of Champion, 1st Runner Up, 2nd Runner Up, Creative Award and Best Potential Award.
The HKPC will help to construct the winning experiment designs into models that are feasible for conducting in space. The designs that can pass the testing of China Manned Space Agency will have the opportunity to be carried onboard Tiangong-2 in early 2016 for demonstration by astronauts in zero gravity. The awarded school teams will also have the opportunity to visit the Beijing Aerospace City or the spacecraft launch centre on the Mainland, and interact with space engineers in person.
The competition is now open for entry until 6pm, February 27, 2015. For more information about the Competition, please visit the website: spaceexperiment.hkpc.org.
Ends/Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:26
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