Hong Kong’s first astronaut could serve on space missions next year
China Manned Space Agency picked Hongkonger in June last year as part of fourth batch of preparatory astronauts
Hong Kong’s first astronaut could start serving on missions as early as next year, the national space agency said on Wednesday.
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 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,” agency deputy director general Lin Xiqiang said at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwestern mainland China.
“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.”