China Selects First Astronaut Candidates from Hong Kong and Macau for Space Program
Ten astronaut candidates have been selected for China's human spaceflight program, including eight astronauts and two payload specialists from Hong Kong and Macau.
On June 11, the China Manned Space Agency announced the selection of the 10 astronaut candidates, which included eight astronauts and two payload specialists from the Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions (SARs).
Hong Kong's First Astronaut Candidate
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee hailed the selection as a "glorious chapter" in the city's history, with a Hong Kong-based expert chosen for the Chinese manned space program for the first time, providing an opportunity to become an astronaut, conduct research in space, and contribute to the country's space program.
Lee noted that research teams from Hong Kong universities have repeatedly provided technology research, equipment, and instruments for national aerospace projects, and the emergence of Hong Kong's first astronaut candidate demonstrated the city's strengths in technological talent and innovation.
Selection Process
The selection process for the astronaut candidates began in September 2022, with three rounds of evaluation.
Sun Dong, head of the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology and Industry Bureau, said the selected candidate was chosen from 120 applicants.
Approximately 40 Hong Kong residents participated in the initial screening, more than 10 advanced to the second round, and one was ultimately selected.
Payload specialists are not professional astronauts. Hong Kong's selected payload specialist is Senior Superintendent of Police Lai Ka-ying.
Macau's Support
The Macau government expressed that the selection of a Macau expert as a national astronaut candidate demonstrated the central government's great importance and support for Macau's scientific and technological innovation and allowed Macau to take a significant step in the field of aerospace science and technology.
China's Space Ambitions
China has invested billions of dollars in its space program, with plans to land humans on the Moon by 2030.
Huang Weifen, chief designer of the astronaut system for China's human spaceflight program, said astronaut selection and training now focuses on two major missions: the space station and lunar landing.
Future training will include a simulated lunar landing training course.
Summary China has selected 10 astronaut candidates for its human spaceflight program, including eight astronauts and two payload specialists from Hong Kong and Macau. The selection marks a historic first for the SARs, demonstrating their contributions to China's ambitious space program.