Policewoman who is tech expert picked as Hong Kong’s first astronaut for China’s space programme

Policewoman who used to work at secret technical services division selected after competing against more than 80 candidates from city, insider reveals

Chief inspector holds doctoral degree and was seconded to Security Bureau to carry out tech-related tasks

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Shenzhou-17 astronaut Tang Hongbo works outside the Tiangong space station. A Hong Kong policewoman has been selected as an astronaut for China’s space programme. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 1:09pm, 24 May 2024Updated: 11:29pm, 24 May 2024

A policewoman who used to work at the force’s secret technical services division has been selected as Hong Kong’s first astronaut for China’s space programme after competing with more than 80 hopefuls from the city, the Post has learned.

A source close to the selection process confirmed on Friday the officer, a chief inspector holding a doctoral degree, had been picked for the national programme and that an announcement was expected soon.

Another insider said she was seconded to the Security Bureau to carry out tech-related tasks.

The woman had not received an official confirmation from mainland Chinese authorities as of Friday morning, the Post learned.

She was attached to the force’s low profile and secret technical services division operating under the crime wing before she was transferred, the insider revealed.

He said the officer was considered a technology expert and that she had been recruited to the division shortly after joining the force.