The Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (HFIPS, CAS), Macao University of Science and Technology (MUST), and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) have jointly established the Joint Laboratory for Spectroscopic Detection of Matter Composition in Deep Space (Lab-DeepSpec) on Science Island, Hefei, Anhui Province.
The cooperation agreement was signed on December 14 at HFIPS, CAS.
Building on a laboratory originally founded by HFIPS and MUST in 2022, the new agreement upgrades the collaboration into a three-party international platform, combining complementary strengths in space instrument engineering, planetary science, and advanced spectroscopic technologies.
The laser heterodyne spectrometer (LHS) payload is led by CUHK, responsible for overall coordination, with MUST overseeing the scientific framework and HFIPS handling manufacturing and assembly. Designed for the Tianwen-3 mission, the instrument will provide high-precision, vertically resolved measurements of Martian water vapor, its isotopes, and global wind fields from 10 to 100 km altitude. These data are expected to advance understanding of Mars' atmospheric circulation, climate evolution, and water loss mechanisms, providing essential support for China' s deep space exploration program.
Lab-DeepSpec will focus on developing next-generation spectroscopic tools to explore the surface and atmosphere of Mars, the Moon, and other celestial bodies. Its key research areas include high-sensitivity, high-resolution spectroscopic instrumentation, precise measurement of planetary surface and atmospheric compositions, and the integration of artificial intelligence for data analysis.
By fostering international collaboration and innovation, Lab-DeepSpec aims to become a leading hub for deep space exploration research.
Signing ceremony for the Joint Laboratory for Spectroscopic Detection of Matter Composition in Deep Space (Image by HFIPS)
Automatic sample transfer on a simulated experimental platform at HFIPS, CAS (Image by XU Minhao)
A researcher conducting sample experiments on a simulated experimental platform at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science. (Image by XU Minhao)