Hong Kong Resident Becomes First Astronaut on Shenzhou-23

A Hong Kong resident has made history by becoming the first astronaut from the city to travel to space. Dr. Lai Kaying launched aboard the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, marking a significant milestone for Hong Kong's role in China's space program.

The mission represents the first time a payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has participated in a national manned spaceflight. It is also the first such mission to occur during China's 15th Five-Year Plan period. The Shenzhou-23 crew will conduct an on-orbit rotation with the existing Shenzhou-21 crew aboard the Tiangong space station, where they will remain to perform various scientific experiments.

Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, said the achievement demonstrates the region's capability to contribute to national development as an aerospace power. He stated that Hong Kong can transform from a supporter into an executor of the country's space endeavors, showcasing better integration into overall national development.

A delegation led by Hong Kong's Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, witnessed the launch. Professor Sun described the...