HKUST releases first Hong Kong images from MUSICO space instrument

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has released the first batch of remote sensing images of Hong Kong captured by MUSICO, a specialized scientific instrument currently operating on the Tiangong Space Station.

MUSICO is the world’s first lightweight, high-resolution instrument designed for the simultaneous detection of carbon dioxide and methane point sources. Having been in orbit for over three months, the device has successfully completed system tests, calibration, and stabilization. The released imagery and video were captured using the instrument’s four specialized detectors for carbon dioxide, methane, oxygen, and aerosols, providing clear views of the topography of Hong Kong and its surrounding areas.

Despite the space station traveling at approximately 7.7 kilometers per second, MUSICO has demonstrated the ability to acquire high-quality, hundred-meter resolution data. The research team has already collected 4.3 TB of data covering more than 450 target regions globally. Moving forward, the team will focus on extracting quantitative greenhouse gas concentration data and optimizing algorithms to support global climate change research and governance.