Hong Kong astronaut makes history as first SAR member in China's crewed space programme

China’s crewed Shenzhou-23 spacecraft, launched aboard a Long March-2F rocket, lifted off smoothly from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China at 11:08 pm local time on Sunday (24 May). Thousands of kilometres from the launch site, in Hong Kong’s Special Administrative Region (SAR), cheers echoed across university campuses, dormitories, and community venues, accompanied by waving national and regional flags creating a stunning sea of red. The astronaut roster was announced a day earlier. Li Jiaying, known as Lai Ka-ying in Cantonese, is a local Hong Kong resident participating in the mission. She made history as the first member of China’s fourth astronaut batch to conduct an orbital mission and the first female payload specialist from Hong Kong and Macau SARs to join China’s crewed space programme. As launch time approached, crowds of students gathered at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). MUSICO, short for Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory, a compact, high-precision methane and carbon dioxide source detector developed jointly by the university, arrived at China’s Tiangong space station aboard the Tianzhou-10 cargo spacecraft earlier this month. Lai is scheduled to operate the Hong Kong-developed scientific instrument in orbit. “The central government has provided us with a solid foundation, enabling Hong Kong to contribute its wisdom and strengths,” said Pan Fei, a PhD student at HKUST. “This marks Hong Kong’s first scientific payload operating at the Tiangong space station,” said Su Hui, chair professor of civil and environmental engineering at HKUST. “The mission is a historic milestone that fully demonstrates the central government’s support and recognition of Hong Kong’s involvement in space exploration.” At the University of Hong Kong (HKU), nearly 50 faculty members and students gathered to support alumna Lai. Her doctoral supervisor, Chow Kam-pui, an honorary associate professor at HKU, watched the historic launch live. “Lai is an inspiring role model for us,” said a biology undergraduate student surnamed Yeung. The breakthrough has inspired him to apply his professional knowledge to medical research. “Her journey to space makes the nation’s dreams in space exploration and innovation tangible and achievable.” A new psychology student surnamed Wong also felt the city’s immense enthusiasm. “Astronauts used to seem like distant figures on screen. Seeing a native Hong Kong resident go to space fills us with immense pride. China has provided a platform far beyond anything we could have imagined,” he said. Local communities held various celebrations. Members of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Community Federation gathered to watch the launch. As Lai was born in Shunde, Guangdong, she has deep ties with the local community there. Loud applause and cheers erupted as the spacecraft successfully entered its designated orbit. “Lai is an outstanding role model and a tangible reflection of the close ties between Guangdong and Hong Kong,” said George Lung Chee-ming, executive vice-chairman of the federation. He added that Lai’s space mission reflects Hong Kong’s deep integration into China’s national development. Nearly 100 people gathered outside the Hong Kong Federation of Fujian Associations’ headquarters, chanting encouragement for the Hong Kong astronaut. “This historic achievement belongs to the entire Chinese nation and brings pride to Hong Kong,” said Sze Ching-lau, a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee and federation chair. She stated that national support empowers Hong Kong’s young talents, and Lai’s mission will inspire more youth to embrace patriotism and pursue scientific innovation. Hong Kong has been a witness, active participant, and dedicated contributor to China’s aerospace advancements. As many Hong Kong youths watching the live broadcast said, “Lai is our pride. If she can reach space, so can we one day.”