The China Manned Space Agency today announced the crew for the Shenzhou-23 spaceflight mission, with Lai Ka-ying, a payload expert from Hong Kong, being included in the team of three astronauts.

Chief Executive John Lee expressed gratitude to the central authorities for supporting and trusting in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Mr Lee also congratulated Ms Lai on passing the rigorous selection and training process to qualify as one of the country’s fourth batch of astronauts and wished the Shenzhou-23 mission great success.

Mr Lee said: “As this year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, the Hong Kong SAR is embracing a historic moment in the pursuit of its aerospace dream. We are deeply inspired by this moment of extraordinary significance, where a Hong Kong specialist takes part in the spaceflight mission as an astronaut for the first time. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing the Hong Kong SAR’s technology talent with this valuable opportunity to take part in the aerospace endeavours of the country.”

Mr Lee highlighted that the Hong Kong SAR has made significant contributions to the country’s aerospace development. Various research institutions and universities participate in aerospace research projects. This includes providing systems, instruments, and technical support for the country’s lunar and Mars exploration missions, as well as conducting experiments in space.

The Hong Kong SAR Government also established the Hong Kong Space Robotics & Energy Center, under the InnoHK Research Clusters, to participate in national aerospace missions.

Mr Lee stressed that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong possesses the distinct advantages of enjoying strong support nationally and being closely connected to the world. With five universities ranking among the world’s top 100, he highlighted that the city provides a powerful impetus for nurturing and attracting innovation and technology (I&T) talent.

“The participation of a scientific researcher from Hong Kong in the spaceflight mission for the first time is not only an affirmation of her own capability, but also a testimony to the country’s high recognition of Hong Kong’s I&T talent, development, and achievements.

“It also fully reflects the great importance attached, as well as the care and support given to the technological development in Hong Kong by our country. I warmly congratulate Dr Lai and sincerely wish her every success in the spaceflight mission.”

Ms Lai thanked both China and the Hong Kong SAR Government for their support, adding that she felt deeply honoured to be able to represent the Hong Kong SAR as a participant in the mission.

She said she will strive to live up to the expectations of the country and the HKSAR and expressed hope that the mission will inspire more Hong Kong youths to devote themselves to the field of I&T, thereby contributing to the country’s scientific and technological self-reliance and strength.

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong heads a Hong Kong SAR delegation that will witness the send-off ceremony and launch tomorrow at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The delegation includes Under Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk and other government representatives, as well as Hong Kong I&T experts, youths and students.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Ms Lai holds a doctoral degree in computer forensics. She is a Superintendent in the Hong Kong Police Force.

In recruitment for the country’s fourth batch of preparatory astronauts, launched in 2022, she was selected as a payload expert and deployed to the China Astronaut Research & Training Center for training. Payload experts are responsible for scientific and applied research at the space station.