Hong Kong's First Astronaut Heads to Space on May 24

Hong Kong is making history tonight as Lai Ka-ying becomes the first person from the city to travel to space.

The payload specialist will launch aboard the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft at 11:08 pm Beijing time on May 24, 2026. She's one of three crew members selected for this mission to China's space station.

Chief Executive John Lee held a video call with Lai before her historic launch. "We are very proud that you are our first Hong Kong personnel to participate in the nation's manned spaceflight mission," Lee told her during the call, which also included two government secretaries.

Lai was honest about the journey to this moment. "The training is really tough," she admitted, describing the daily schedule as completely full. But after completing more than a year of intensive preparation in Beijing, she expressed confidence in her readiness for the mission.

The trip to Beijing marked the longest time the Hong Kong native had ever been away from her home city. Lai was born, educated, and worked in Hong Kong before heading north for astronaut training. Her family joined her in Beijing, and she said her children have been happy studying there during her training.

Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong praised her rapid progress. "In just over a year, you have completed all the arduous training and reached the standard to go to space," he said. Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung noted that over 170,000 Hong Kong civil servants feel proud that one of their own achieved this milestone.

The Ripple Effect

Lai's selection demonstrates growing opportunities for Hong Kong professionals in national space programs. Her success opens doors for future astronauts from the region and showcases Hong Kong's research strength on the international stage.

Lee has met with Lai three times throughout her journey. The first meeting was in June 2023 when she was among candidates heading to Beijing for initial selection. The second came in 2024 after she successfully made it into the fourth batch of reserve astronauts.

During their final video call before launch, Lee reminded Lai that her participation "demonstrates the nation's recognition of you, as well as the nation's trust and support for Hong Kong." He encouraged her to rest well and complete the mission in peak form before returning home to share her experience.

Lai's response was simple and determined: "I will give my all and do my best."

A send-off ceremony for the Shenzhou-23 crew was held earlier today at Dream Garden Plaza, with Hong Kong officials traveling to Beijing to wish their pioneering astronaut success.