The world's first low-altitude gravity measurement system based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) made its public debut at the ongoing 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Airshow China 2024.
The system, developed by China State Shipbuilding Corporation's (CSSC) 707th Research Institute, was showcased at the event in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, where 1,022 companies from 47 countries and regions have gathered for the six-day event.
At the CSIC booths, the eight-rotor drone appears to be conventional, but it carries specialized equipment that sets it apart from other commercial UAVs.
"It is integrated with a high-precision gravity sensor. When the gravity changes, the gravity sensor can reflect the change of the Earth's gravitational field through high-precision current detection," said Chu Ning, head of gravity survey technology at 707th Research Institute CSSC, developer of the system.
Gravimetry is the measurement of the strength of a gravitational field, according to different purposes or requirements. Gravimeters may be used when either the magnitude of a gravitational field or the properties of matter responsible for its creation are of interest.
Measuring accurate gravity data can not only help aircraft and rockets and other aerospace spacecraft to calculate the trajectory and speed, but also help scientists carrying out scientific research in physics, geology and other fields.
"The UAV-based gravity measurement system features high precision, high measuring efficiency, wide coverage area, and it can make up the inaccessibility of manpower. It can be widely used in earth science research, including resource exploration and other fields. It fills a gap in the field of low altitude gravity measurement technology," said Song Chao, head of marketing department at 707th Research Institute.
World's first UAV gravity measurement system debuts at Airshow China
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition