Sun Dong: first HK-born astronaut will likely engage HK students in orbit

Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong reveals Hong Kong's first astronaut, Lai Ka-ying, could soon be conducting a live lesson from space for students back home.

She may return to Hong Kong alongside the crew of Shenzhou 23 as early as the first half of 2027.

Speaking with TVB News, Sun also describes Lai's journey into space as a rare event capable of uniting the entire community.

Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong reveals that Lai Ka-ying stood out from a field of 120 candidates thanks to her exceptional academic credentials, physical fitness and psychological resilience.

Sun says Lai comes from a highly professional background, she's a mother of three and speaks Cantonese.

People see her as someone from their own community, and that makes her story incredibly inspiring.

SUN: "It was a historic moment that for the first time a payload specialist from Hong Kong, Dr. Lai Ka-ying has taken part in the national space mission. These achievements have made the whole of Hong Kong very proud."

Authorities are now working to arrange a "space-to-earth dialogue" between Lai and students in Hong Kong.

Sun says China's Manned Space Agency responded positively, and coordination is underway with the Education Bureau and Beijing's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office.

The government has also expressed hope the Shenzhou 23 crew, including Lai, will visit Hong Kong after returning to Earth -- potentially as early as the first half of next year.

The latest Shenzhou mission not only carried Hong Kong's first astronaut into orbit, but also included the first payload developed in Hong Kong to be deployed aboard China's space station.

Looking ahead, Sun says the SAR government is preparing to support China's planned crewed lunar mission in around 2030.

That could include future astronaut recruitment exercises in Hong Kong, if required by the national programme.

He stresses Hong Kong's greatest strength lies in fundamental scientific research.

SUN: "Various research institutions and universities have been actively participating in many different national aerospace projects, including providing systems, instrumentation, and technical support for our country's lunar and Mars exploration mission."

Sun says he is not ruling out launching another special funding round to back related research projects.

Sun outlines three emerging strategic priorities for Hong Kong's innovation sector, including aerospace, deep-sea exploration and quantum tech with discussions recently held with mainland aerospace companies involved in low-Earth-orbit satellite networks and Starlink-type tech to establish operations in the Northern Metropolis.

The government will assess future demand before deciding whether to establish a dedicated "Space Economy Office" to support industry development.

SUN: "Having Hong Kong experts participating in the National Space Mission to further strengthen our scientific research, and inspire more young people to engage in the field of science and technology with the will to cultivating more I&T talents for Hong Kong as well as our country."

To sustain public enthusiasm for space exploration, Sun says the Hong Kong Space Museum will display a mission insignia badge signed by all three Shenzhou 23 astronauts, as part of an upcoming exhibition.