China's first Hypervelocity Impact Laboratory for the Solar System was officially established in Guangming Science City, Shenzhen Guangming WeChat account reported.

The lab was inaugurated through a collaborative effort by Guangming District Government, Macao University of Science and Technology (MUST), and Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), which signed a framework cooperation agreement on May 29 to deepen future partnerships.

During the launch ceremony, Guangming District officials pledged ongoing support for both MUST and SUSTech in building additional innovation platforms within Guangming, while encouraging Macao Science and Technology Development Fund's participation in advancing scientific innovation in the area. Leveraging combined resources, Guangming Science City aims to attract high-caliber innovation resources, draw top-tier tech enterprises and talent, and generate pioneering research breakthroughs.

Prof. Joseph Lee, President of MUST, highlighted the lab's importance: "The establishment of the laboratory marks a milestone in Greater Bay Area scientific collaboration. MUST will utilize the expertise of its State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Sciences to address critical planetary science challenges."

Jiang Hong, Party secretary of SUSTech, added: "SUSTech will integrate its interdisciplinary strengths in space science and advanced materials to build a world-leading planetary science research hub. Together with our partners, we aim to nurture innovative talent and support the Greater Bay Area's development into a comprehensive national science center."

The new agreement symbolizes a fresh chapter in Shenzhen-Macao collaborative innovation, as the three parties commit to advancing scientific excellence and contributing significantly to Shenzhen's growing reputation as a global center for technological innovation.

About the laboratory

The Hypervelocity Impact Laboratory is a core facility under MUST's State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Sciences (SKLPlanets), China's first and only national-level lab dedicated to astronomy and planetary science, established in October 2018 with the Ministry of Science and Technology's approval.

Supported by the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund, this new laboratory houses China's first ultra-high-speed impact experimental facility tailored for planetary science research. It will deploy an innovative methodology combining experimental impact testing and numerical simulations to tackle fundamental scientific questions about the formation and evolution of the solar system.

The laboratory will collaborate closely with other cutting-edge research facilities in Guangming Science City, including: SUSTech Guangming High-Level Research Institute, Materials Genome Facility and Special Environment Materials and Devices Facility.

It will serve as a key experimental base supporting major national initiatives, such as China's Lunar Exploration Program and special projects of the National Defense Science and Industry Bureau.