STORY: Chang'e-5 lunar samples to open new chapter in Hong Kong's lunar scientific research
DATELINE: Sept. 12, 2023
LENGTH: 0:01:20
LOCATION: HONG KONG, China
CATEGORY: SCIENCE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the University of Hong Kong
2. various of Qian Yuqi working
3. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): QIAN YUQI, Research fellow from HKU's Department of Earth Sciences
4. various of samples
5. various of people visiting an exhibition about China's Chang'e-5 lunar probe

STORYLINE:

The geologists at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) have received a set of precious research samples, the lunar soil brought back by China's Chang'e-5 mission.

On Aug. 7, the HKU announced that its geologists team obtained approval from the China National Space Administration's Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center to study the lunar soil samples collected by China's Chang'e-5 lunar probe in 2020. This marked the first time that a Hong Kong research team has secured lunar soil samples.

At the press briefing held earlier by the HKU, Qian Yuqi, who took the lead in applying for the lunar samples, described obtaining lunar soil as a dream that came true for his team and the space science community in Hong Kong.

SOUNDBITE (Chinese): QIAN YUQI, Research fellow from HKU's Department of Earth Sciences
"We can conduct research in the laboratory of the University of Hong Kong. Since I came here, many teachers have expressed interest in the study of lunar samples or samples from other planets. We can establish a process at the University of Hong Kong on how to preserve and use lunar samples well."

The lunar soil had been to Hong Kong two years ago. It was put on public display at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center and received a warm response. It is believed the return of the lunar soil will further promote the development of scientific research in Hong Kong.

Packing in transparent containers, the dark-colored soil samples, in the form of powder and particles, totaling 822.6 mg, will provide scientists with research data to unveil the mystery of the moon.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Hong Kong, China.
(XHTV)