Chinese space program 'technically prepared' to select astronauts in HK

China on Thursday (June 17) successfully launched the crewed spacecraft Shenzhou-12, which is expected to send three astronauts to its space station core module Tianhe for a three-month mission.

What are the requirements for the selection of astronauts in Hong Kong? When will HK people be able to enter the Chinese space station? Zhou Jianping, chief designer of the Chinese manned space program, said in an interview with DotDotNews that HK astronauts definitely have a chance to participate in manned space activities.

"We are technically prepared to select astronauts in HK. If they are scientists or engineering technicians with aircraft pilot qualifications, they will have an advantage," Zhou said.

According to Huang Weifen, chief designer of the astronaut system, the training standards for Chinese astronauts have been set, which means that the technical preparation for the selection of astronauts in HK has been completed.

"If HK compatriots want to become astronauts, we will definitely welcome them, " Huang said.

The Shenzhou spacecraft has been developed and used for more than 20 years, and can take up to three people. China's new generation of manned spacecraft has been under development. Zhou Jianping said that China has launched a scaled-down model of the new generation of manned spacecraft.