The China Space Day event, held in Shanghai this year, celebrated the nation's advancements in space technology and its impact on global collaboration in the field.

The event took place at the Shanghai World Trade Center, an emblematic location reflecting the city's stature as a hub of international business.

This year's occasion, commemorating the national launch day on April 24th, showcased a range of activities before and after the formal celebrations.

The event included high-profile speeches, award presentations, and cultural performances, creating an atmosphere of pride and accomplishment.

A notable aspect of this year's event was the recognition of Hong Kong's contributions to the Chang'E 8 mission, with the Hong Kong flag featured prominently in promotional materials for the robotic rover.

This recognition followed the involvement of local institutions such as the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in the mission's scientific payload.

In a keynote speech, Aarti Holla-Maini, the Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, commended China's achievements in space exploration, while also emphasizing the necessity for enhanced international cooperation to address critical challenges such as space debris.

There are currently over 150 million small debris objects and more than 45,000 larger tracked objects in low Earth orbit, posing significant risks to both national and international space endeavors.

Chinese officials highlighted the rapid advancement of the country's space program, particularly over the last two decades.

Special recognition was made for the teams of engineers and technologists responsible for advancing various space initiatives, including the successful Chang'E missions.

The exhibition area featured dozens of aerospace companies demonstrating their latest innovations.

Companies showcased a wide array of technologies, including rocket manufacturing, satellite technology, artificial intelligence platforms for space applications, and advanced 3D printing techniques.

Notably, a full-scale mock-up of the Qingzhou cargo spacecraft was displayed, which is designed to transport significant payloads, including scientific instruments and provisions for astronauts.

Additionally, the event included displays of lunar samples collected by the Chang'E missions, with announcements of international collaborations for the sharing of moon rock samples with various universities worldwide.

Throughout the event, there was a strong emphasis on sustainability in space exploration, a pressing issue given the increasing concerns surrounding space debris and environmental impacts related to space activities.

Experts and stakeholders underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure the long-term viability of space utilization.

The China Space Day event exemplified the nation's commitment to expanding its role in space exploration while fostering international partnerships that benefit global scientific communities.