Hong Kong students who participated in a space-themed tour of the Chinese mainland expressed awe at the nation’s monumental advancements in space exploration and said they were inspired by the passion of scientists and astronauts they met — fueling their own ambitions to pursue careers in science.

They revealed these reflections during a sharing session on Tuesday at the Hong Kong Science Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui, recounting their remarkable journey during the Young Astronaut Training Camp 2025, held from July 25 to Aug 2.

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The 30 secondary school students — 16 girls and 14 boys — were selected from 28 schools across Hong Kong. They visited major space facilities in Beijing, Jiuquan and Xi’an, including the Beijing Aerospace City, the Xinglong Observatory of the National Astronomical Observatories, and the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

The program was jointly organized by Hong Kong’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, with support from the Hong Kong Space Museum and the Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre. It aims to foster interest in science and technology among young people in Hong Kong and deepen their appreciation of the nation’s achievements in space exploration.

The tour featured lectures by aerospace experts, including taikonaut Cai Xuzhe, commander of the Shenzhou XIX mission and Chinese record holder of the most extravehicular activities, as well as hands-on activities such as model rocket launches.

A highlight was the visit to the China National Space Administration Space Debris Observation and Data Application Center in Beijing, showcasing the nation’s efforts toward space sustainability.

Cheung Cheuk-hey, a ninth grader from Baptist Lui Ming Choi Secondary School, said he was most impressed by the Jiuquan launch site of China’s first satellite, Dongfanghong 1.

The impact for Cheung was even greater as he watched a film beforehand about the different roles of personnel involved in the historic launch in 1970, which marked China’s official entry into the space age, and laid the foundation for future exploration.

“I learned a huge amount,” he said, adding that the experience strengthened his desire to work in planetary science, particularly in the search for habitable exoplanets for the benefit of all humanity.

Anson Cheng from Diocesan Girls’ School said she was surprised to learn that many professionals in the field are under 40, making the path of space exploration seem more accessible to young people like her.

“They are just like big brothers and sisters, but very knowledgeable,” she said.

Participants were chosen during three rounds of competition in June and July, which tested their knowledge, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. The program included astronaut training simulations, such as zero-gravity exercises and space suit trials.

Timothy Ho Man-hung, curator of the Hong Kong Space Museum, congratulated the students, and said the program provided valuable learning opportunities. He encouraged them to pursue their dreams in space exploration and to contribute to the nation’s aerospace endeavors in the future.

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Ho said he hopes that “students not only deepened their understanding of the nation’s aerospace achievements but also learned from the astronauts and their peers about their passion for work”.

Jennifer Yeung Yin-chi, vice-chairwoman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, said the journey will have a profound impact on the students’ personal growth. She encouraged them to carry forward the spirit of exploration and teamwork to pursue their dreams for the future of Hong Kong and the nation.

“I hope everyone will maintain this passion for exploration, courageously accept challenges, leverage team spirit, and continue to bravely pursue dreams and create the future for yourselves, for Hong Kong, and for the nation,” she said.

Contact the writer at lilei@chinadailyhk.com