A Hong Kong astronaut is set to make history as part of China's crewed space missions, with the earliest flight expected in 2026. According to sources, a female police superintendent, Lai Ka-ying, has been selected as a payload specialist.
At the press conference for the Shenzhou-20 crewed space mission, Lin Xiqiang, spokesperson of the China Manned Space Program and deputy director of the China Manned Space Agency, revealed that astronauts from HK and Macao have quickly adapted to their new roles. Lin noted that the fourth batch of astronauts, including those from HK and Macao, has undergone rigorous training, significantly enhancing their foundational knowledge and physical capabilities.
According to reports, a female police officer has been selected as a payload specialist. It is understood that she is a female superintendent with a doctoral degree, specializing in information technology and computer science. After joining the police force, she has been working in a special division.
Internal sources within the police indicate that the superintendent's name is Lai Ka-ying. She has been seconded to the Security Bureau and has been undergoing related training in Beijing since 2023. She has qualified as an astronaut and is currently awaiting an official announcement from the central authorities.
Lin emphasized that the fourth cohort of astronauts has demonstrated exceptional adaptability, benefiting from intensive training and participation in space mission simulations, including launch, return, and extravehicular activities.
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