Hong Kong-built greenhouse gas tracker device ‘functioning well’ on space station

A greenhouse gas monitoring instrument developed by a Hong Kong university is functioning well on the Tiangong space station, according to the city’s technology minister. The Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO), led by scientists at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, will provide accurate data on carbon dioxide and methane emissions for the next two years.

Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industries Sun Dong revealed details of MUSICO’s operation and Lai Ka-ying’s time on the space station. The device, smaller than a domestic washing machine, can precisely detect individual greenhouse gas sources on Earth. MUSICO is the world’s first lightweight, high-resolution observatory for carbon dioxide and methane.

Lai, who has been working at the space station for about three months, has completed experiments and studies alongside her team. Besides scientific work, she is responsible for daily station maintenance, health management, first aid, and emergency drills. Sun believes Lai has a demanding schedule.

The government has also sent nearly 400 local students to visit mainland China’s aerospace research bases during the summer break, aiming to inspire interest in space technology. Sun hopes more Hong Kong youth will see Lai as a role model and pursue careers in technological innovation.