One of the earliest domestic suppliers of optic fiber components for aerospace, Advanced Fiber Resources (AFR) of Zhuhai has components inside two major fiber lasers that allowed Chang'e-5 to land on the moon Dec 1.

AFR passive components had also been adopted for the three-dimensional laser imaging sensors for probe missions of the Chang'e-3 and -4 lunar probes. They gave the hovering landers high-precision 3D imaging of the lunar surface that provided references for selecting precise landing points.

For the first time, the current lander used the frequency of laser echoes from the AFR speed detection module to measure its velocity relative to the lunar surface. Launched Nov 24, Chang'e-5 represents one of the most complicated and challenging missions in China's aerospace history. The unmanned probe has collected lunar rock samples and will journey back to land smoothly in Inner Mongolia later this month.

AFR products for aerospace use [Photo courtesy Guanhai App]

The increase in probe dead-weight imposed stringent requirements on parts in the extreme deep-space landing site in a volcanic area that fittingly forms the head of the "moon rabbit" in the legend of Chang'e as a moon goddess. Customized for space radiation and vibration, AFR core passive components are now said to strongly support the landing of probes on the far-side of the moon. 

AFR made a series of breakthroughs in optic fiber components after bringing in a Silicon Valley technology management team in 2007. At the time, technology expert Dr Wang Xinglong took over as CEO.

Holding multiple patents, AFR products have been widely used in optical fiber laser and communication, aerospace, and 3D sensing sectors in more than 40 countries and regions such as Europe, the US, and Japan.

Founded in the National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone (Tangjiawan) in 2000, AFR has more than 1,000 employees and reported sales of 391 million yuan ($59.5 million) for the year ending December 2019.