A Historic Milestone for Hong Kong
In a landmark achievement for the region's scientific and aerospace ambitions, Lai Ka-ying has been selected as the first astronaut from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to embark on a national spaceflight mission. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced on Saturday, May 24, 2026, that Lai will serve as a payload specialist for the upcoming Shenzhou-23 mission.
The mission is scheduled to launch tomorrow, Sunday, May 25, at 11:08 p.m. Beijing Time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. Lai will join mission commander Zhu Yangzhu and spacecraft pilot Zhang Zhiyuan, bringing a unique set of expertise to the crew.
From Law Enforcement to the Stars
Lai's journey to the stars is as unconventional as it is inspiring. A mother of three born in 1982, she holds a PhD in computer forensics and previously served with the Hong Kong Police Force. Since joining the astronaut corps in August 2024, she has undergone an intensive transition, completing over 200 training tasks and accumulating more than 1,700 hours of rigorous preparation.
Her training spanned space science research, technology experiments, and the management of space station systems. CMSA spokesperson Zhang Jingbo praised her outstanding results in flight qualification assessments, noting her strong crew coordination and overall readiness for the mission.
A Bridge for Scientific Cooperation
As a payload specialist, Lai will be responsible for operating complex space science experiment equipment aboard the space station. Beyond the technical requirements, Lai views her role as a symbolic bridge. "I also carry an additional mission: to serve as a bridge for the space endeavors of Hong Kong, Macao and the mainland," she stated during her public debut.
Chief Executive John Lee congratulated Lai, describing the moment as a historic pursuit of the aerospace dream. He noted that her selection is an affirmation of Hong Kong's innovation and technology achievements and a recognition of the region's ability to cultivate high-end scientific talent.
Advancing Gender Representation in Space
With the upcoming lift-off, Lai will become the fourth female astronaut from the Chinese mainland and its regions to travel to space, following in the footsteps of Liu Yang, Wang Yaping, and Wang Haoze. While the previous female astronauts served as pilots or engineers, Lai's specialization in payload management marks a diverse addition to the program's capabilities.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Lai expressed deep gratitude to the country and the residents of Hong Kong for their support. "My heart is filled with gratitude and a deep sense of honor," she shared, adding that she hopes to inspire the next generation of youth to persevere and seize opportunities in their own pursuits.
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First astronaut from HK to embark on national spaceflight mission
cgtn.com
