Chief Executive John Lee extended warm congratulations on the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spacecraft, and offered his best wishes to the crew members, including Hong Kong's first astronaut, payload expert Lai Ka-ying.

The Long March 2F Y23 carrier rocket lifting the Shenzhou-23 was launched at 11.08pm today from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The spacecraft was separated from the rocket successfully and entered its predetermined orbit.

The Chief Executive remarked that the country has realised its grand blueprint of becoming an aerospace power through unwavering determination and perseverance, a forward-looking vision, and strategic planning.

“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 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to participate in it. All citizens of Hong Kong are thrilled and proud.”

Mr Lee highlighted that the National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly sets out key strategies to develop a modernised industrial system and expedite the nation's development as an aerospace power.

“With the strong support of the country, the Hong Kong SAR can transform from a supporter of the country’s great aerospace endeavours into an executor.

“This not only demonstrates the Hong Kong SAR’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.”

The spacecraft will rendezvous with and dock and at the Tiangong space station. The crew of the Shenzhou-23 will conduct an on-orbit rotation with that of the Shenzhou-21.

The astronauts, including Ms Lai, will stay in the space station and conduct a variety of science and technology experiments.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said it will seize opportunities arising from the historic achievement of having a Hong Kong expert participating in a national spaceflight mission for the first time, in order to enhance popular science education and showcase the country’s aerospace technology development.

It added that it will highlight the distinctive contributions of the Hong Kong SAR to the nation's space endeavours, thereby inspiring young people to engage in the field of innovation and technology.