The upcoming launch of China's Shenzhou-23 space mission is generating significant excitement in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), as the mission will for the very first time carry a local Hong Kong astronaut into orbit.
Anticipation grew earlier this month following the release of the official Shenzhou-23 mission emblem. The design featured a distinctive 'bauhinia' flower element, which is regarded as the floral symbol of the Hong Kong SAR, sparking widespread speculation that a Hong Kong astronaut was about to realize the dream of spaceflight.
Back in 2024, during the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA)'s fourth batch of astronaut selection, a local Hong Kong candidate was chosen for the first time among the ten final candidates. Public information indicates the Hong Kong representative is a female payload expert who is also a former chief inspector in the police force.
People from all walks of life in Hong Kong have expressed deep pride that one of their own is participating in this historic mission and having the chance to serve the motherland's space endeavors, seeing it as recognition and trust from the country in Hong Kong's contributions to aerospace technology.
"Hong Kong, relying on the solid advantage of having the motherland at its back, is deeply involved in the nation's major manned space projects. This fully proves that 'One Country, Two Systems' works, delivers results, and enjoys popular support," said Sze Ching-lau, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Fujian Associations.
Others say that China's ongoing development goals and ambitious plans in space exploration offer exciting opportunities to young people from the Hong Kong SAR.
"The nation's 15th Five-Year Plan(2026-2030) clearly sets out the goal of building a strong space power. This has created a vast stage for Hong Kong youth to pursue the stars. We must proactively break free from conventional horizons, follow in the footsteps of astronauts with the power of youth, and devote ourselves to the cause of serving the nation through science and technology innovation," said Edward Leung Hei, honorary president of the Youth Innovation Development Charity.
Excitement grows in HKSAR amid speculation on first local astronaut
