The news that Hong Kong’s first astronaut, Lai Ka-ying, joined the nation’s latest space mission has sparked widespread pride and excitement across the special administrative region, especially among the city’s educational and scientific communities.

Officials, scientists, and students said the milestone reflects the nation’s trust in Hong Kong’s scientific capabilities, and will inspire more young people to pursue their dreams and contribute to national development.

Applause and congratulations poured in after it was confirmed on Saturday that Lai, serving as a payload specialist, is part of the Shenzhou XXIII crew. Together with spaceflight engineer Zhu Yangzhu and spacecraft pilot Zhang Zhiyuan, Lai launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China’s Gansu province at 11:08 pm on Sunday.

In a statement before the mission, Lai expressed her gratitude for the huge support from the central authorities and the Hong Kong SAR government, pledging to live up to their expectations. Before being selected as an astronaut candidate, Lai served as a superintendent and technical specialist with the Hong Kong Police Force and holds a doctorate in computer science.

In a social media post, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said, “All of us in the disciplinary forces feel immensely proud and honored.”

Tang added that Lai’s relentless determination, loyalty and resilience throughout her astronaut training exemplified the spirit of Hong Kong’s disciplined services.  

Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin said Lai’s success demonstrates the high standards of scientific research and holistic education provided by Hong Kong’s schools.

“Educated in Hong Kong, Lai’s achievement testifies to the quality of our education system, which nurtures top talent with an innovative spirit and encourages them to contribute to the nation’s technological development,” Choi said.

She said local schools have seized the opportunity to promote aerospace education, with some organizing study tours to space facilities, including trips to Jiuquan to witness the launch.

Many schools — including Lai’s alma mater, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College — encouraged students and parents to watch the live broadcast of the launch. The college said in a statement, “She is the best testament to talent from Hong Kong and a pillar of the nation.”

Ng Wun-kit, principal of Pui Kiu Middle School, called Lai’s mission both a source of pride for Hong Kong and a vivid lesson in national and innovation education. He said that the “one country, two systems” framework gives Hong Kong distinctive advantages — strong support from the motherland and global connectivity.

His school has already incorporated aerospace technology themes into its curricula. He expressed confidence that more young people in Hong Kong will begin to believe they can be active participants, contributors, and pioneers in the nation’s space programs.

Charlie Tse, a 20-year-old university student, said she was encouraged by the news, which demonstrates that Hong Kong has a wide stage for everyone to leverage their skills.

“I’m happy to see that a Hong Kong science payload specialist can have a chance to go to space,” she said.  Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, a molecular biologist and president of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences, described Lai’s selection as a historic moment, especially in the first year of the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30).

He said it reflects the nation’s recognition of Hong Kong's scientific and technological talent, and will encourage more young people to dedicate themselves to cutting-edge research and contribute to national development.

Anderson Shum Ho-cheung, president of the Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences, said Lai’s inclusion in the mission demonstrates the solid foundation of Hong Kong's science education, and the growing role of the city’s scientific community in major national engineering projects.

He hopes that more young Hong Kong scholars will participate in the nation’s aerospace and other cutting-edge scientific initiatives in the future.

Lawmaker Elizabeth Quat Pui-fan said the SAR government should further promote innovation and technology education, nurture outstanding research talent, and create more opportunities for young people to excel on the national stage.

Roys Zhang contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com