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| What Is Asteroid Xuxiyuan? The Story Behind Barbie Hsu’s Cosmic Honour. (Credits: TTV) |
The name Barbie Hsu (Xu Xiyuan/Big S) has officially left Earth and entered the cosmos. More than a year after the beloved Taiwanese actress & Meteor Garden star passed away, international astronomers have confirmed that asteroid 208663 now carries the official name "Xuxiyuan", creating a tribute that is arguably more permanent than any entertainment award. Having your name attached to a celestial body orbiting through space feels like the ultimate lifetime achievement.
The news gained even greater emotional significance after Little S (Xu Xidi/Dee Hsu) shared a heartfelt message on her 48th birthday. Reflecting on the loss of her elder sister, she wrote that while Barbie Hsu would forever remain 48 years old, she herself had now reached that same age. In a touching message directed towards her late sister, Little S said she would gradually become "the older sister" from now on, promising to continue looking after the family and updating her sister on everything happening at home.
She concluded by saying that Barbie Hsu had truly become a star in the sky, illuminating her darkest moments. For once, that statement was not merely poetic.
According to the latest announcement from the international astronomical community's Working Group for Small Body Nomenclature, asteroid 208663 Xuxiyuan has officially entered the global catalogue of named celestial objects.
The asteroid was originally discovered on 12 April 2002 by renowned Hong Kong amateur astronomer Yang Guangyu at Arizona's Desert Eagle Observatory. What began as the rather unromantic designation 2002 GF11 has now transformed into a name recognised by millions of fans across Asia.
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| Barbie Hsu Honoured With Asteroid Named ‘Xuxiyuan’ as Fans Celebrate Her Lasting Legacy |
The process was anything but quick. Under International Astronomical Union regulations, newly discovered asteroids must undergo years of orbital observation and verification before receiving official numbering and naming approval.
In the case of Xuxiyuan, that journey lasted an astonishing 24 years. The result means the actress's name is now permanently recorded within the international astronomical catalogue, a distinction that cannot simply be edited away by future administrators having a bad day.
The tribute carries an added layer of symbolism because Barbie Hsu often expressed fascination with extraterrestrial life and the mysteries of the universe during her lifetime.
She famously joked on several occasions that she was an "alien" and openly spoke about her curiosity regarding life beyond Earth.
Looking back, fans have noted that someone who spent years joking about being from another planet has somehow ended up with her name attached to an object travelling through space. If the universe appreciates irony, this might be one of its finest examples.
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| Barbie Hsu’s Name Enters the Universe as Asteroid Xuxiyuan Is Officially Recognised |
Many observers have also pointed to the timing of the announcement. Following her passing during a family holiday in Japan in early 2025, tributes to Barbie Hsu have continued across Taiwan, China, Hong Kong and beyond.
Her husband, DJ Koo Jun-yup, previously designed a memorial concept inspired by the solar system and planets. Now, with an actual asteroid carrying her name, supporters describe the development as a strangely beautiful coincidence that feels almost scripted by fate itself.
The honour also places Barbie Hsu among a distinguished group of Chinese-language entertainment icons whose names have been immortalised in space.
Over the years, Yang Guangyu has named asteroids after legendary figures including Leslie Cheung, Teresa Teng, Andy Lau, Brigitte Lin, and Faye Wong. It is a unique form of recognition that extends beyond entertainment achievements and acknowledges cultural influence across generations.
Of course, for many people, Barbie Hsu will always be remembered first as Shan Cai from the hugely successful drama Meteor Garden. The series transformed her into one of Asia's most recognisable stars and helped shape an entire era of television fandom.
Decades later, that influence remains remarkably strong. Younger audiences continue discovering her work through streaming platforms, while longtime viewers still associate her with one of the most iconic television heroines of the early 2000s.
Many fans admitted the news left them unexpectedly moved, writing that they would think of Barbie Hsu whenever they looked up at the night sky and described the asteroid naming as a fitting tribute for someone whose influence crossed borders and generations.
While most celebrities chase stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Barbie Hsu skipped the queue entirely and received an actual celestial object instead. Another popular comment suggested that the actress had finally "returned to her home planet", referencing remarks she made during her lifetime about feeling like an alien.
They focused on Little S's emotional birthday message, with many readers saying her words captured the reality of grief better than any grand public statement. Her reflection about eventually becoming older than her sister resonated deeply, particularly among those who have experienced similar losses within their own families. The message quickly spread across social media, drawing thousands of supportive comments and birthday wishes.
The naming of asteroid Xuxiyuan ensures that Barbie Hsu's name will continue travelling through the universe long into the future.