Earth calling astro authors: Senior-primary to tertiary-level students have been invited to participate in an essay competition on national education, with the launch of the Shenzhou V rocket as its theme.

The Education & Manpower Bureau has invited senior-primary to tertiary-level students to participate in an essay competition on national education.

With the launch of the Shenzhou V rocket as its theme, the competition comes as the visit by astronaut Yang Liwei has aroused students' interest in space science.

Chief Curriculum Development Officer Cheung Wing-hung said the competition aims to help students understand better the development of the Mainland's aerospace technology and industry, and help them learn the spirit of perseverance.

"Training for astronauts is extremely harsh. They are required, among other things, to train in a centrifuge, to experience pressure changes, to man state-of-the-art devices and respond to difficult situations in zero gravity and under a load equivalent to seven to eight times of their body weight," he said.

"We hope students will be inspired and learn from their perseverance and patriotism."

The bureau's Moral & Civic Education Section has uploaded reference materials on aerospace industry development and the Shenzhou series spacecraft onto its web page.

The competition is divided into senior primary, junior secondary, senior secondary and tertiary groups.

Winners will be awarded a trophy, a certificate of commendation and book coupons valued from $500 to $3,000.

Some winners will also be invited to visit the spacecraft launch centre and other facilities on the Mainland.

For details, visit the bureau's website. Deadline for entry is November 30 and results will be announced late next month.