In a historic milestone for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Lai Ka-ying has been selected as a payload specialist for the Shenzhou-23 spaceflight mission, making her the first astronaut from the HKSAR to join the country's aerospace endeavors.
Chief Executive John Lee expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Lai, praising her for passing the rigorous selection and training process to become a member of the fourth batch of astronauts. This achievement highlights the high recognition of Hong Kong's innovation and technology (I&T) talent and the city's growing contribution to national space exploration.
The timing of this mission is particularly significant. As 2026 marks the beginning of the national 15th Five-Year Plan, the HKSAR is entering a new era in its pursuit of aerospace dreams. Chief Executive Lee emphasized that the inclusion of a Hong Kong specialist in a spaceflight mission for the first time is an affirmation of individual capability and a testament to the city's achievements in science and technology.
Hong Kong's involvement in space extends beyond individual personnel. Various research institutions and universities in the region have already been contributing to lunar and Mars exploration missions through the provision of technical support, instruments, and systems. Furthermore, the HKSAR government has established the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Center under the InnoHK Research Clusters to further integrate the city into national aerospace missions.
Under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, the HKSAR continues to leverage its unique position as a global hub with strong support from the motherland to advance scientific frontiers. Chief Executive Lee noted that this synergy allows Hong Kong to stay closely connected to the world while contributing its strength to national goals.
The Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceship is scheduled to launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 11:08 p.m. Sunday (Beijing Time).
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HKSAR chief executive congratulates Lai Ka-ying on Shenzhou-23 mission
cgtn.com
