Hong Kong's first astronaut to engage with public from space station

Key facts

• Hong Kong's first astronaut, Lai Ka-ying, is expected to engage in a public dialogue from the Tiangong space station within two months.
• The dialogue aims to inspire Hongkongers and foster alignment with China's aerospace development.
• Lai Ka-ying is part of the Shenzhou-23 mission and is China's first female payload expert.
• The government is coordinating arrangements for the public engagement, which was initially planned for students.
• Future plans include the establishment of a Centre for Space Manufacturing Technology focusing on AI and 3D printing.

Hong Kong's first astronaut, Lai Ka-ying, is slated to connect with the public from the Tiangong space station within the next two months, according to Hong Kong's Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Sun Dong. The initiative aims to inspire residents and align the city with China's broader aerospace development strategy.

Lai Ka-ying, who is also China's first female payload expert, launched on the Shenzhou-23 mission last month. Initially planned as a 'Tiangong classroom' lecture for students, the public dialogue has been expanded due to significant interest from various sectors. Details on the arrangements are still being coordinated.

Lai's journey is highlighted as a historic milestone for Hong Kong, demonstrating the opportunities arising from China's rapid development. She trained for nearly two years before her selection, which involved a rigorous process from a pool of 120 candidates. Her background includes serving as a superintendent in the Hong Kong Police Force, specializing in digital forensics and cybersecurity.

Looking ahead, the Hong Kong government hopes for the astronauts to visit the city post-mission. Plans are also in motion for a live chat session with the Shenzhou-23 crew. Furthermore, the Centre for Space Manufacturing Technology is set to be established, focusing on advanced technologies like 3D printing and artificial intelligence for in-space manufacturing, aligning with the city's five-year plan for emerging technologies.