Hong Kong over the moon with space hopefuls
- City can be proud that at least two of its applicants have made it to the final round of China’s astronaut training programme
A space mission may be awaiting at least two Hongkongers who have made it to the final round of a selection process for China’s astronaut training programme. The city should be justly proud that local talent has fared this well in a nationwide campaign to recruit the next generation of Chinese astronauts.
Hong Kong’s technology minister offered few details when he confirmed last week that at least a pair of candidates had progressed to the third selection stage. Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong said “both men and women” were chosen for further evaluation.
The payload specialist job on offer requires a strong background in science or engineering and involves an understanding of highly complex or classified on-board equipment and astronautical measurements. More than 100 people from Hong Kong signed up as candidates after mainland officials announced plans to recruit locally. The city’s government shortlisted about 80. By June, preliminary screening had whittled the group down to just over 10.
It is the first time for the China Manned Space Agency, which is seeking a final team of 14, to accept candidates from Hong Kong and Macau. Candidates are said to come from government departments, the Hospital Authority, universities and other groups.
At least 2 Hongkongers in final stage of China’s astronaut selection drive
Their progress underscores the advantages of Hong Kong’s governing principle of “one country, two systems” and why central government authorities have selected the city to be further developed as an international technology and innovation hub.
Home to many world-class scientists in respected universities and at 16 key state laboratories, Hong Kong has already contributed to the nation’s space programme by successfully developing a landing camera for the Tianwen-1 mission to Mars and surface sampling system for a lunar mission.
Space flight is not for the faint-hearted and hopefuls must be in good physical and mental shape to handle months of living in confined surroundings. Hong Kong’s candidates deserve their chance and our praise for already showing the city has the right stuff to explore the final frontier.
