Published : 2026-01-22
When will the Hong Kong astronaut fly to space for the first time? China's space authorities gave the most authoritative and specific answer to date: as early as 2026.
Quickly integrated and trained diligently
On 23 April 2025, China's space authorities held a press conference for the Shenzhou-20 mission, during which Lin Xiqiang, spokesperson for the China Manned Space Agency, also talked about the fourth batch of astronauts.
He stated that since joining the team in August 2024, China's fourth batch of astronauts have been undergoing training as planned, including learning basic theoretical knowledge of astronautics, as well as psychological and space environment adaptability training.
Through diligent study and proactive training, all of them have quickly adapted to their new roles, their foundational knowledge has been effectively strengthened, and their overall physical fitness has been effectively improved.
Lin Xiqiang said that after joining the team, the astronauts from Hong Kong and Macao have quickly adapted to the work and living environment, rapidly integrated into the team, trained diligently and painstakingly, all tasks are progressing smoothly, and they are currently undertaking studies and training related to professional astronautical technology.
He clearly pointed out: "As payload specialists, the Hong Kong and Macao astronauts are expected to carry out their first flight mission as early as 2026."
It is understood that the identities of the Hong Kong and Macao astronauts have not yet been officially revealed, but media reports claim that the astronaut from Hong Kong is female Chief Inspector Lai Ka-ying (黎家盈) of the police force. She holds a doctoral degree and specialises in information technology and computers. The reports also state that Lai Ka-ying is a mother of three.
Payload specialists with lower chance of lunar landing
In addition, a payload specialist is one of the job categories for astronauts, referring to scientific researchers who conduct experiments in the space station. They are not usually career astronauts.
The other two job categories for astronauts are astronaut pilot and flight engineer. The former are mostly from the air force pilots, for example, the familiar Yang Liwei, Liu Yang, Wang Yaping, and so on.
Previously, some media claimed that the Hong Kong astronaut might have the opportunity to participate in a lunar mission.
However, Huang Weifen, Chief Designer of the Astronaut System for China's Manned Space Programme, stated that astronauts for manned moon landings require candidates with flight experience and exceptionally strong professional qualities, therefore there is a preference for career astronauts to carry out manned lunar missions.
At the end of 2022, China's space authorities announced the selection of the fourth batch of astronauts and, for the first time, selected payload specialists from Hong Kong and Macao. By May 2024, the selection process was completed, with a total of 10 people selected, including eight astronaut pilots and two payload specialists from Hong Kong and Macao.
