The 77th International Astronautical Congress has concluded in Türkiye. Guo Huadong, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a scientist at the Aerospace Information Research Institute, received the 2026 International Astronautical Federation Hall of Fame Award in recognition of his lifelong contributions to the field of astronautics.

The IAF Hall of Fame Award honors individuals whose pioneering work and lifelong contributions have advanced global space exploration.

As the director-general of the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals, Guo led the development of SDGSAT-1, the world's first science satellite dedicated to monitoring progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

GUO HUADONG, Member, Chinese Academy of Sciences Winner, Intl. Astronautical Federation Hall of Fame Award: "Receiving the IAF Hall of Fame Award is a tremendous honor. But I believe this honor belongs to China's space science and technology community. I've done some work in space-based Earth observation. We developed and launched SDGSAT-1. It's a science satellite, and we make its data freely available to anyone who needs it. The satellite has played an important role in supporting sustainable development in developing countries."

In 2016, Chinese scientists and international experts launched the 10-year Digital Belt and Road Program.

Using a big-data platform, the initiative provides scientific support for sustainable development along the Belt and Road, helping participating countries work toward the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

GUO HUADONG, Member, Chinese Academy of Sciences Winner, Intl. Astronautical Federation Hall of Fame Award: "For example, Cambodia's Angkor Wat, a famous World Heritage site, suffered significant damage in earlier years due to conflict and natural disasters. We used space-based remote sensing to help monitor the surrounding environment, and that proved very useful. We also used advanced synthetic aperture radar and interferometric SAR, to help identify the causes of some structural collapses at the site. Local authorities then used these technologies in restoration work. China's space technology has played an important role in the Belt and Road Initiative and has been welcomed by countries along the route. Some countries are eager to work with China to advance the Belt and Road Initiative through what we call the Digital Belt and Road."

According to Guo, SDGSAT-1 data is now accessible to 121 UN member states, establishing a new model for global services powered by Chinese satellite data. (CGTN)