Aiming for the Moon

Did you know Macao has 2 science satellites in space? These satellites are currently orbiting above us, helping Macao make its mark by playing a significant role in space exploration. They are part of the ongoing research conducted by Roberto Bugiolacchi, a Ph.D. holder in Geology and Planetary Science from University College London (UCL).

Recently, our Grade 11 students had the exciting opportunity to visit the State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Science (SKLPlanets) at the Macau University of Science and Technology (M.U.S.T.)- which is was officially established in 2018 with the approval of the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China - where Professor Bugiolacchi himself guided them. During the tour, the students got a firsthand look into the fascinating world of scientific inquiry and how Macao is contributing to space history. They explored different research facilities and examined a scientific report. By observing researchers like Professor Bugiolacchi in action, the students saw how to tackle complex problems, analyse data, and draw important conclusions.

This tour exposed students to real-world scientific endeavours. This was a unique educational experience that has the potential to inspire students to dream big and aim for the moon and beyond. Learning about Macao’s role in space history motivates them to aim higher and strive for excellence. The tour also offered them an invaluable opportunity to build connections with professionals in the field, creating bridges between what they learn in the classroom and practical applications in real-world situations.

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Since 2016, Bugiolacchi has been working as assistant professor at the State Key Laboratory (SKL) at M.U.S.T. Here, he has been researching multiple aspects of planetary research, with access to the data from the ongoing Chinese missions. The observation data collected from these satellites is incredibly valuable. It can provide new insights into how the magnetic field is generated and maintained, as well as how it changes overtime.