Hong Kong payload expert joins Shenzhou-23 spaceflight mission.
The Shenzhou-23 crew, including Dr. Lai Ka-ying, the payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), was announced by the China Manned Space Agency today (May 23, 2026). Mr. John Lee, the Chief Executive, conveyed his appreciation to the nation for its confidence in and support of the HKSAR. Additionally, he extended his congratulations to Dr. Lai for successfully completing the rigorous selection and training process to become a member of the fourth cohort of astronauts, thereby contributing to the strength of Hong Kong in its aerospace endeavours. Mr. Lee expressed his enthusiasm for the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceflight mission.
Mr. Lee stated, “As this year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, the HKSAR is embracing a historic moment in the pursuit of its aerospace dream. We are deeply inspired by this moment of extraordinary significance, where a Hong Kong specialist takes part in the spaceflight mission as an astronaut for the first time. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing the HKSAR’s technology talent with this valuable opportunity to take part in the aerospace endeavours of the country.
“The HKSAR has been contributing to the country’s aerospace development. Various research institutions and universities have been participating in aerospace research projects, including providing systems, instruments, and technical support for the country’s lunar and Mars exploration missions, as well as conducting spaceborne experiments. The HKSAR Government has also established the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre under the InnoHK Research Clusters to participate in related national aerospace missions.Under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, Hong Kong possesses the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. With five universities ranking among the world’s top 100, Hong Kong provides a powerful impetus for nurturing and attracting innovation and technology (I&T) talent.
“The participation of a scientific researcher from Hong Kong in the spaceflight mission for the first time is not only an affirmation of her own capability, but also a testimony to the country’s high recognition of Hong Kong’s I&T talent, development, and achievements. It also fully reflects the great importance attached, as well as the care and support given to the technological development in Hong Kong by our country. I warmly congratulate Dr Lai and sincerely wish her every success in the spaceflight mission.”
Dr. Lai expressed gratitude to the HKSAR Government and the nation for their assistance. She was profoundly honoured to have the opportunity to represent the HKSAR and participate in the country’s spaceflight mission. She stated that she will make every effort to meet the expectations of the country and the HKSAR. In the interim, she expressed the expectation that this mission would motivate additional Hong Kong youth to pursue careers in information and technology, thereby bolstering the nation’s scientific and technological independence and resilience.
Professor Sun Dong, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry, led a delegation from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre to witness the send-off ceremony and partake in this historic event. The delegation was composed of the Under Secretary for Security, Mr. Michael Cheuk, as well as other government representatives, I&T experts, adolescents, and students.
Dr. Lai earned a doctoral degree in computer forensics after being born and raised in Hong Kong. She serves as the Superintendent of the Hong Kong Police Force. She was effectively selected as a payload expert and deployed to the China Astronaut Research and Training Centre for training in the recruitment exercise of the country’s fourth batch of preparatory astronauts, which was launched in 2022. At the space station, experiments such as scientific and applied research are conducted by payload experts.
Picture Source: ISD HKSARGovernment