20/06/2026
๐Prof. Qi Zhao Secures Grant from China Space Station Application and Development Program / Space Science and Application Projects
We are pleased to announce that ๐๐ซ๐จ๐. ๐๐ข ๐๐ก๐๐จ, ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐จ๐๐ข๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐จ๐ซ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐, for securing a grant under the ๐๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ ๐๐ญ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฆ / ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ข๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฃ๐๐๐ญ๐ฌ. Prof. Zhao is the first PolyU scholar to receive this type of funding associated with the China Manned Space Program. The approval of this project recognizes Professor Zhaoโs previous research efforts in planetary geotechnics and reflects the alignment of this research direction with the future space science development.
Prof. Zhaoโs research project, titled "Dynamics of dense granular flows under low-gravity conditions,โ involves conducting the first rotating drum granular flow experiment aboard the Chinese Space Station to investigate how particles segregate, mix, and move in the granular flow under low-gravity conditions. These experiments aim to uncover the fundamental physics that shape planetary surfaces and provide engineers with the quantitative data needed to design safer landing systems and select sites for long-term bases.
Since the completion of the China Space Station in 2022, the programme has entered a new phase of application and development. As a strategic technological platform for the nationโs long-term development, the space station has carried out over 100 experiments spanning earth observation, space materials and new technology applications. For researchers, the China Space Station is not only a world-class laboratory, but also a โdream factoryโ where limitless possibilities can be put into practice. The approval of Professor Zhaoโs project also creates a new opportunity for PolyU to further participate in the development and use of major national research platforms.
