HKU LSR Organises APRIM 2026 to Advance Space Research and International Collaboration

Distinguished guests and leading scientists from the international astronomical community gathered at the APRIM 2026.

Taking place from May 4–8, 2026, the Asia-Pacific Regional International Astronomical Union Meeting (APRIM) 2026 officially opened yesterday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Organised by the Laboratory for Space Research (LSR) at the HKU Faculty of Science, this prestigious triennial event is being hosted in Hong Kong for the first time. APRIM 2026 brings together nearly 600 leading scholars from more than 40 countries and regions, making it the largest astronomical conference ever held in Hong Kong.

With the theme “Science, Cooperation and Friendship – Working Together Across the Asia-Pacific Region within the IAU Framework,” APRIM 2026 features dedicated sessions that explore space sustainability and frontier topics such as lunar bases. The programme offers a comprehensive agenda, with discussions ranging from black holes and exoplanets to orbital debris and the expanding space economy.

At the opening ceremony, Kevin Choi Kit-ming, Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, announced substantial government support for aerospace research, stating: “Hong Kong has already attracted 16 aerospace companies to the city, thanks to the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), elevating the space economy as a strategic pillar,” he said. He also announced over HK$100 million in government funding for six flagship aerospace R&D projects, including a HKU-developed short-wavelength infrared spectrometer selected as a payload for China’s Tianwen 3 Mars mission, scheduled for 2028.

Professor Quentin Parker, Director of the LSR and one of the event’s organisers, highlighted Hong Kong’s unique advantages as an emerging global hub for space sustainability, citing strengths in common law, fintech, international connectivity, and intellectual property protection. “APRIM represents far more than an academic conference. We can become a global hub for space sustainability,” he said.

The event’s impact extends beyond the main sessions, with a parallel meeting on space sustainability, a public open day, and an outreach conference running concurrently. These initiatives underscore Hong Kong’s ambition to lead international discussions on satellite regulation and the long-term stewardship of the space environment.

As APRIM 2026 continues throughout the week, the LSR reaffirms its commitment to advancing frontier research, fostering global partnerships, and supporting Hong Kong’s role in the new space economy and international space research.

For more details about APRIM 2026: https://aprim2026.org 

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