China’s space agency announced on Tuesday the selection of its first Hong Kong astronaut, confirming a Post report that a policewoman who used to work in a secret technical services division had been chosen for the national programme.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said a city resident being picked to serve as a payload specialist in the country’s manned space programme was a “glorious history”.
“This shows the country’s emphasis on the development of science and technology in Hong Kong and affirms the strength of the city’s innovation and technology talents,” he said before meeting with the Executive Council, the government’s top decision-making body.
But Lee said the identity of the astronaut would not be disclosed at this stage in accordance with established rules.
The Post earlier reported that a policewoman who used to work in a secret technical services division was chosen for the national programme. Photo: Xinhua
The Hong Kong candidate was among 10 chosen as the latest batch of astronauts, who also include a Macau resident, China Manned Space Agency said.
The agency also said it would soon enter China Astronaut Research and Training Centre for comprehensive and systematic training.
Last month, the Post reported that the officer, a chief inspector holding a doctoral degree, outcompeted more than 80 hopefuls from the city. She used to work at the force’s low profile secret technical services before she was transferred to the Security Bureau.
In October 2022, Beijing’s space agency said it had extended recruitment for two payload specialists for its fourth astronaut intake to Hong Kong and Macau for the first time.
The selection process included a three-week recruitment drive, with 14 spots available.
