Hong Kong SAR–(Newsfile Corp. – May 26, 2026) – At 11.08pm on May 24, Dr Lai Ka-ying made historical past by changing into the primary Hong Kong astronaut to blast off into house aboard the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship. This momentous event additionally launched a brand new period for Hong Kong’s improvement of innovation and know-how (I&T) in addition to the town’s participation in nationwide improvement underneath China’s fifteenth Five-Year Plan.
Congratulating Dr Lai on her achievement, John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), mentioned that the HKSAR can “transform from a ‘supporter’ of the country’s great aerospace endeavours into an ‘executor’.”
Dr Lai Ka-ying (left) made historical past by changing into the primary Hong Kong astronaut to blast off into house aboard the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship.
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“This not only demonstrates the HKSAR’s capability in contributing to the country’s development into an aerospace power, but also showcases how Hong Kong could better integrate into and serve the overall national development,” Mr Lee mentioned.
“This mission is of great significance, as it is not only the first manned spaceflight mission during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, but also the first time for a payload expert from the HKSAR to participate in it.”
The Shenzhou-23 crew will conduct on-orbit rotation with the Shenzhou-21 crew. The crew, together with Dr Lai, will keep in the house station and conduct a number of experiments and purposes in numerous fields corresponding to scientific purposes.
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, Professor Sun Dong, led a delegation to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center to witness this historic second. Members of the delegation included different authorities representatives, I&T consultants, youths and college students.
“I truly believe this is a great demonstration of Hong Kong integrating into and serving the overall national development through concrete actions, while contributing our strength in I&T,” Professor Sun mentioned.
“‘Science and technology is primary productive force, talent is primary resource, and innovation is primary driver of growth.’ The HKSAR Government will continue to drive the development of I&T, accelerate the establishment of an international I&T centre, and make greater contributions to building our nation into a strong power in science, technology, and aerospace.”
Commissioner for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government, Mr Ivan Lee, mentioned that the Government had been offering funding assist for universities and analysis establishments in conducting aerospace technology-related initiatives by way of the Innovation and Technology Fund.
“In 2024, we launched a special call for funding applications, inviting universities to submit project proposals related to aerospace technology. Following a selection process, we supported six projects. Among them was the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) developed by a team from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology,” he mentioned.
On the Tiangong Space Station, Dr Lai will conduct experiments together with working the MUSICO — the world’s first light-weight, high-resolution synergistic observatory for carbon dioxide and methane emission level sources.
The Long March 2F Y23 provider rocket carrying the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship launched efficiently at 11.08pm on May 24 on the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
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Born and raised in Hong Kong, Dr Lai is a Superintendent of the Hong Kong Police Force. In the recruitment train of China’s fourth batch of preparatory astronauts launched in 2022, she was efficiently chosen as a payload skilled and was deployed to the China Astronaut Research and Training Center for coaching.
Before embarking on the historic spaceflight, Dr Lai expressed hope that it will encourage extra Hong Kong youths to commit themselves to the sector of I&T, thereby contributing to the nation’s scientific and technological self-reliance and energy.
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