‘We are very proud,’ John Lee tells first Hong Kong astronaut ahead of space flight

The leader of Hong Kong offered his praise and blessings to the first local astronaut, Lai Ka-ying, in a video call ahead of the launch of the Shenzhou-23 mission on Sunday, calling her participation a reflection of the country’s support for the city.

In response, payload specialist Lai recalled her rigorous and demanding training in Beijing, which she noted had “finally come to an end”, while expressing absolute confidence in completing her mission.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu was joined on the video call by Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong and Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan.

“We are very proud that you are the first Hongkonger to participate in a national crewed space flight mission. We wish to congratulate you, send our blessings to you and show our care,” Lee said, recalling their last meeting in 2024 before she headed to Beijing for her training.

“Your participation in this mission shows our country’s recognition of you, as well as our country’s trust and support for Hong Kong.”

Lai, a 43-year-old police superintendent who holds a doctorate in computer science, is part of the Shenzhou-23 mission team set to blast off on Sunday night and dock with China’s Tiangong space station.

She told the three officials that her training schedule in Beijing, which lasted nearly two years, had been very demanding.