Hong Kong’s first astronaut may join China’s space missions by 2026, following rigorous training as a payload specialist in space technology. Photo: May TseHong Kong’s first astronaut in China’s space programme may begin participating in missions as early as next year, according to a national agency.
The China Manned Space Agency picked the Hongkonger in June last year as part of the fourth batch of preparatory astronauts. The local specialist and another one from Macau were among the 10 chosen in the latest group of astronauts.
“Since the fourth batch of astronauts joined the team in August 2024, they have carried out a great deal of training according to the plan, for instance, basic space flight theory, psychology, space environment adaptability, etc,” Lin Xiqiang, the agency’s deputy director general, said at a press conference on Wednesday.
“After joining the team, the Hong Kong and Macau astronauts have quickly adapted to the working and living environment, rapidly integrated into the crew and trained very hard. Their work is progressing smoothly; they are now carrying out studies and training in professional space technology.
“As payload experts, the Hong Kong and Macau astronauts are expected to carry out their first mission in 2026 at the earliest.”
The position of payload specialist requires a strong background in science or engineering. It involves overseeing highly complex or classified on-board equipment and tasks.
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In October 2022, the space agency said it was looking for two payload specialists for its fourth astronaut intake, with recruitment extended to Hong Kong and Macau for the first time.
The selection process included a three-week recruitment drive, with 14 spots available. The city’s innovation and technology minister earlier said they received 120 applications during the recruitment period.
The South China Morning Post previously reported that the police officer, a chief inspector holding a doctorate, was chosen over more than 80 hopefuls from the city.
She used to work at the force’s secret technical services division and had been seconded to the Security Bureau, sources said at the time.
During the press conference at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northeastern China’s Gobi Desert, the agency also announced details about the Shenzhou-20 space flight mission, saying it would blast-off on Thursday.
According to the agency, the mission’s objectives include rotating with the crew, performing space science experiments and undergoing extravehicular activities.