On Tuesday, it was announced by China’s space agency that the country had chosen its first astronaut from Hong Kong, according to South China Morning Post report.
They say a local female constable who has been involved in some secret technical services department has been picked for the national space program.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu described the development as “glorious” and historic for the city. He said it indicates that his government is committed to developing science and technology in Hong Kong.
“This indicates the emphasis of the nation on building science and technology in Hong Kong as well as affirming the capability of innovation and technology talents existing in this city,” he said before meeting with Executive Council, which is an ultimate decision-making body of government.
However, based on established protocols, the identity of astronaut remains undisclosed.
Figure 1: The team will now commence comprehensive and systematic training at China Astronaut Research & Training Center (中华航天员科研训练中心). One of these new recruits is a resident of Macau.
Last month, The Post reported that a chief inspector with a doctorate had beaten over 80 other applicants from the city. This officer once worked for secret technical service division then got transferred into Security Bureau.
In October 2022, Beijing’s space agency opened application for two payload specialists for its fourth astronaut intake; it was also allowing recruitment from Hong Kong and Macau for their first time. In total fourteen positions were available after three weeks recruitment process.
