Hong Kong’s first astronaut to join Chinese space programme, national agency confirms
- Chief Executive John Lee says resident will serve as payload specialist in China’s manned space programme, calling it ‘glorious’ moment in history
China’s space agency on Tuesday announced the selection of its first Hong Kong astronaut, after the Post earlier reported a local policewoman who previously worked in a secret technical services division had been chosen for the national programme.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu described the selection of a city resident to serve as a payload specialist in the country’s manned space programme as a “glorious” moment in history.
“This shows the country’s emphasis on the development of science and technology in Hong Kong and affirms the strength of the city’s innovation and technology talents,” he said before a meeting of his key decision-making Executive Council.
But Lee said the identity of the astronaut would not be disclosed at this stage, in accordance with established rules.
The Hongkonger was among 10 chosen as the latest group of astronauts, who also included a Macau resident, the China Manned Space Agency said.
The agency also said the group would soon enter the China Astronaut Research and Training Centre for comprehensive and systematic training.
She used to work at the force’s secret technical services before she was transferred to the Security Bureau.
Lee said the selection of a Hongkonger as an astronaut demonstrated the city’s unique status under the “one country, two systems” governing principle, with the result also showing young people’s determination and perseverance in achieving their dreams.
“She is the pride of Hong Kong people. She is a role model for Hong Kong’s young people,” he said.
The city leader also noted that the candidate would soon need to undergo stringent training and assessments, and that she and her family would need to make sacrifices by spending less time with each other.
Lee said the city and its residents would offer its full support.
In October 2022, Beijing’s space agency said it was looking for two payload specialists for its fourth astronaut intake, with recruitment extended to Hong Kong and Macau for the first time.
The selection process included a three-week recruitment drive, with 14 spots available.
Secretary for Innovation and Technology Sun Dong also congratulated the candidate on Tuesday, saying that he was very “excited” about the news and that the candidate would be heading to mainland China soon to begin her training.
Asked about what support the government would offer to the city’s first astronaut, Sun said authorities would provide “everything that was necessary” to ensure that she could finish her training and future work.
The technology minister said that they received 120 applications in its recruitment for the payload specialist, with the government passing along a list of 40 people to the mainland for consideration.
Lawmaker Elizabeth Quat called the news “inspiring and encouraging” and highlighted that the announcement showed the central government’s support for the technology sector.
IT sector legislator Duncan Chiu said he hoped Beijing would establish a research centre or laboratory focused on space exploration in Hong Kong to allow residents to participate in the national programme in different capacities.
