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Hong Kong’s first astronaut participates in Shenzhou-23 manned spaceflight mission
The mission will include an on-orbit rotation with the Shenzhou-21 crew and experiments on the Tiangong Space Station, officials said.
On Sunday, May 24, Lai Ka-ying made history by becoming the first Hong Kong astronaut to blast off into space aboard the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship, launching at 11:08 pm from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
Selected as a payload expert in 2022, Lai underwent training at the China Astronaut Research and Training Center, marking a milestone for Hong Kong under China's 15th Five-Year Plan.
Commissioner Ivan Lee noted the HKSAR Government supported six aerospace projects through its Innovation and Technology Fund, including the Multi Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory developed by Hong Kong University.
Congratulating Lai Ka-ying, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee said the mission allows the city to "transform from a 'supporter' of the country's great aerospace endeavours into an 'executor'."
Hoping to inspire more local youths to pursue science and technology, Lai, a superintendent of the Hong Kong Police Force, aims to contribute to the country's scientific and technological self-reliance.