Hong Kong’s first astronaut, Lai Ka-ying, expressed deep gratitude and a strong sense of responsibility at a press conference on Saturday, pledging to live up to the expectations placed upon her.
“I will contribute my share to the development of the motherland and the nation. I will not let down the expectations of the people of Hong Kong, and I will never fail deep trust of the motherland,” Lai said.
The Shenzhou XXIII crewed spaceship is scheduled to launch at 11:08 pm Sunday (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
Lai, a superintendent and technical specialist with the Hong Kong Police Force, will fly as a payload specialist on the upcoming mission, becoming the first female civilian in the country to travel into orbit, and also the first astronaut from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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Describing herself as an ordinary person from Hong Kong, Lai said that being able to join the astronaut team and be selected for this mission was an invaluable opportunity.
“At this moment, my heart is filled with gratitude and honor, and I deeply feel the glory and weighty responsibility of this mission,” she said.
Lai also acknowledged the tremendous support she has received throughout her challenging journey to space, thanking the national government, the HKSAR government, and the public for their full support.
“The training along the way has indeed been full of challenges, and the process has been truly tough,” she said. “Standing here today would not be possible without the rigorous guidance of my astronaut teachers, the dedication of all space workers, and the unconditional support of my family.”
She emphasized the camaraderie she has found among her fellow astronauts. “I feel especially lucky to study, train, and become friends with them. Thank you for accompanying me, encouraging each other, and growing together. This experience has truly taught me so much.”
