Hong Kong's first astronaut Lai Ka-ying launches on Shenzhou-23 to Tiangong
A 43-year-old police superintendent and mother of three becomes Hong Kong's first astronaut.
Get AI news that actually matters
One email a day. Zero fluff. Join 10,000+ professionals.
On Sunday night, Hongkongers gathered at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Gansu province to witness the historic send-off of the Shenzhou-23 crew, including Lai Ka-ying, the first astronaut from Hong Kong. Lai, a 43-year-old police superintendent and mother of three, was met with cheers at the Wentian Pavilion before heading to the launch site in the Gobi Desert. She serves as the payload specialist for the mission, tasked with conducting experiments aboard China's Tiangong space station. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Lai is the fourth Chinese woman to go into space and the country's first female payload specialist.
Tse Yi-lam, a member of the Youth Link initiative of the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, described the milestone as deeply moving and an immense encouragement for the city. The Shenzhou-23 mission represents a significant step for China's space program, with Lai's role highlighting the growing diversity of its astronaut corps. Her journey from Hong Kong police officer to space explorer underscores the broadening opportunities for professionals outside traditional military backgrounds in China's space endeavors.
- Lai Ka-ying, a 43-year-old Hong Kong police superintendent and mother of three, is the first Hong Kong astronaut on Shenzhou-23.
- She serves as payload specialist on China's Tiangong space station, the fourth Chinese woman in space and first female payload specialist.
- Hongkongers at Jiuquan praised her as an immense encouragement, with the send-off ceremony held at the Wentian Pavilion in Gansu province.
Why It Matters
Lai's mission opens space exploration to Hong Kong professionals, inspiring a new generation of non-military astronauts.