[Explanation] At 23:11 on December 1, the lunar exploration project Chang'e-5 probe successfully landed on the moon.

At 22:00 on December 2nd, after about 19 hours of lunar surface work, Chang'e 5 successfully completed automatic lunar surface sampling, marking the first crucial step for China to implement unmanned lunar surface sampling and return.

The "sampling device" of the moon watch, which played an important role in this, was developed by a team led by a Hong Kong scientist.

  [Concurrent] Rong Qiliang, Academician of Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences and Professor of Hong Kong Polytechnic University

  Especially after landing, when we started to work, we watched the (information) sent back in it all the way, not only the video, but also the data it sent back, such as current, voltage, temperature, so we are here We haven't slept for a few days, and we were relieved when it put the sample can in the riser.

  [Explanation] Speaking of the past week's experience, Rong Qiliang, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, is still unable to hide his excitement.

Since 2011, he has led the team to devote himself to the research and development of "Sampling Execution Device".

As the first human probe to collect samples on the lunar surface in more than 40 years, the core mission of Chang'e 5 is to conduct automatic sampling on the lunar surface and bring two kilograms of lunar samples back to the earth.

  [Explanation] Talking about the challenges encountered in the R&D process, Rong Qiliang said that one of the important issues is the limited load of the detector. How to control the weight of the device to the lowest level, and to ensure the normal operation of various components, and to complete the sample smoothly Collecting work, Rong Qiliang and the team keep trying and keep improving.

  [Concurrent] Rong Qiliang, Academician of Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences and Professor of Hong Kong Polytechnic University

  The (primary packaging system) is about 2.5 kg initially. At that time, we already thought that this (should be) the lightest design.

But then we wondered whether it could be lighter?

Not only does it need to be lighter, it is to simplify (simplify) all exercises and design.

As you can see, why are there gears like this?

Our idea is the overall design, that is, the sample tank is not an independent body, it is also a part of the entire system, so it is integrated into the entire mechanical structure, so that the weight can be further reduced.

  [Explanation] After repeated experiments, the weight of the primary packaging system was reduced to 1.5 kg.

Although the weight is greatly reduced, there is no lack of sophisticated innovative design and ingenuity.

  [Concurrent] Rong Qiliang, Academician of Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences and Professor of Hong Kong Polytechnic University

  When taking off, it locked the sample tank underneath. After landing, it opened the tank lid and removed it, and then put the funnel on it.

After setting out, the sample will be scraped, the excess sample will be scraped away, and then the can will be sealed to separate the sample can from the body below.

You see that this (instrument) has a lot of lifting and turning, but the entire instrument has only two motors, so you see that such complex movements need to be completed within 1.5 kg.

  [Explanation] In addition to the packaging system, the sampling device also includes two samplers with close cameras.

The overall device is composed of more than 400 workpieces, made of titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, stainless steel and other materials. While reducing the weight, it is hard and wear-resistant, and can withstand the harsh and complex space environment.

  [Explanation] Over the years, Rong Qiliang has participated in space missions several times.

As a "veteran" of China's aerospace industry, Rong Qiliang has also witnessed the development of China's aerospace industry.

  [Concurrent] Rong Qiliang, Academician of Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences and Professor of Hong Kong Polytechnic University

  China's aerospace industry is basically moving forward steadily step by step.

China’s aerospace industry does not compete with any other country. For its steady growth, it has a very important obligation, that is, it promotes the innovation of many (scientific) products of our country, and the development of (aerospace) technology can also Drive the improvement of the quality of our products, and make our products further (development) internationally.

  [Explanation] Rong Qiliang said that in the near future, this sampling device will also be used in the Chang'e-6 lunar exploration mission. He and his team will continue to work hard, continue to improve and improve, and continue to contribute to China's "road to the moon" .

  Reporter Fan Siyi from Hong Kong

Editor in charge: [Zhang Kaixin]