Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, today (May 23) shared in his blog the story behind Hong Kong's first payload specialist. He recalled that in October 2022, the nation initiated the selection of preparatory astronauts in Hong Kong for the first time. His bureau led the local recruitment and initial screening, receiving 120 applications and recommending 40 candidates. In June 2024, a Hong Kong specialist was selected for the nation's fourth batch of preparatory astronauts.
Lai Ka-ying from the Hong Kong Police Force will join the six-month Shenzhou-23 mission, becoming Hong Kong's first "taikonaut."
Sun personally interviewed Lai during the initial screening and regarded her as one of the best candidates. He described her as soft-spoken, composed, humble, and wise. He asked how she, as a mother, could cope with long-term separation from her family.
Lai overcame immense challenges and completed rigorous training in just over a year, and Sun expressed great pride in her achievement.
Sun also noted that Hong Kong is accelerating the development of an international I&T hub. Local universities have made significant contributions to national missions, including PolyU's assistance in Chang'e-6's far-side lunar sampling, and CUHK and HKU's preparations for Tianwen-3. The SAR government has granted over HK$100 million to support six space-related projects, including HKUST's "Tianyun Camera" aboard the Tiangong space station.
Sun thanked the Central Government for the opportunity and encouraged more Hong Kong youth to join the I&T sector, ensuring that Hong Kong's space dream continues to contribute to the nation's strength in space exploration.
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