Hong Kong Celebrates Shenzhou-23 Launch and Local Astronaut's Historic Achievement in Manned Spaceflight.

ExCo Non-official Members congratulate successful launch of manned Shenzhou-23 spacecraft

The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:

Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) today (May 24) warmly congratulate the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship. They extend their highest respect to all crew members, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The Convenor of ExCo Non-official Members, Mrs Regina Ip, said, "This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This mission is the first manned spaceflight during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and the first time a Hong Kong expert has participated, which is a truly momentous occasion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent with this invaluable opportunity to take part in the country's aerospace endeavours. Dr Lai has successfully undergone the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country's fourth batch of astronauts, and China's fourth female astronaut to reach space, contributing Hong Kong's strength to the national aerospace endeavours. She has exemplified the Lion Rock spirit of rising to challenges with resilience and perseverance. Her courage and determination are truly admirable, and all Hong Kong citizens are immensely inspired and proud of her. The understanding and support of her family are also essential for her to participate in this mission with resolution. I am deeply grateful for their support and commitment.

"The HKSAR Government is actively developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre and supporting promising research projects through various funding schemes. As an example, the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) camera, developed under a project led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and funded by the Government's Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology, has successfully arrived at China's Tiangong Space Station, becoming Hong Kong's first scientific payload aboard the station. This fully demonstrates Hong Kong's innovation and technology edge and talent advantages."

Non-official Members of the Executive Council expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the country for its high recognition of Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent, development and achievements, as well as its profound emphasis, care and support for Hong Kong's scientific and technological development. They firmly believe that the HKSAR Government will seize this historic moment to nurture more outstanding innovation and technology talent for the country and Hong Kong, and better integrate into and serve the country's overall development.

Source: AI-found images

CE extends congratulations on successful launch of manned Shenzhou-23 spacecraft

The Long March 2F Y23 carrier rocket carrying the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship was launched at 11.08pm today (May 24) at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The spaceship was successfully separated from the rocket and entered the predetermined orbit. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, warmly extended his congratulations on the successful launch and paid his solemn tribute and sent his best wishes to the crew members, including the first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Dr Lai Ka-ying.

Mr Lee said, "Through more than 30 years of the manned space programme, the country has realised its grand blueprint of developing into an aerospace power through its unwavering determination, alongside its forward-looking vision, strategic planning, and unparalleled perseverance. This mission is of great significance, as it is not only the first manned spaceflight mission during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, but also the first time for a payload expert from the HKSAR to participate in it. All citizens of Hong Kong are thrilled and proud.

"The National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly sets out key strategies to develop a modernised industrial system and expedite the development into an aerospace power. With the strong support of the country, the HKSAR can transform from a 'supporter' of the country's great aerospace endeavours into an 'executor'. This not only demonstrates the HKSAR's capability in contributing to the country's development into an aerospace power, but also showcases how Hong Kong could better integrate into and serve the overall national development."

After entering orbit, the spacecraft will dock and rendezvous with the space station as planned. The Shenzhou-23 crew will conduct on-orbit rotation with the Shenzhou-21 crew. The crew, including Dr Lai, will stay in the space station and conduct multiple experiments and applications in various fields such as scientific applications.

The HKSAR Government will seize the opportunities arising from the historic moment of having a Hong Kong expert participating in a national spaceflight mission for the first time, to further enhance popular science education, showcase the stellar achievements of the country's aerospace technology development, highlight the distinctive contributions of the HKSAR to the national space endeavours, and inspire young people to engage in the field of innovation and technology (I&T), with a view to cultivating more I&T talent for the country and the HKSAR.

Source: AI-found images