Ten backup astronauts have been selected for China’s Crewed Space Program, including eight astronauts and two payload specialists from Hong Kong and Macau.
On June 11, the China Manned Space Agency announced that 10 backup astronauts have been selected for the country’s Crewed Space Program, comprising 8 astronauts and 2 payload specialists from the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau (China).
The Chang’e 6 spacecraft, carrying samples collected from the far side of the Moon, departed the surface of the planet on June 4, 2024. (Photo: THX/TTXVN)
The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, John Lee, stated that this is a “glorious chapter” in the history of the region, as it marks the first time a Hong Kong expert has been selected for China’s crewed space program, with the opportunity to become an astronaut and contribute directly to the nation’s space research and program.
John Lee noted that research teams from universities in Hong Kong have repeatedly provided technological research, instruments, and tools for the national aerospace project, and the selection of the first backup astronaut from Hong Kong demonstrates the strength of the region’s technological talent and innovation.
The selection process for backup astronauts in China’s crewed space program began in September 2022 and was divided into three rounds.
Mr. Sun Dong, head of the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Bureau, mentioned that the expert was chosen from 120 candidates.
About 40 individuals in Hong Kong participated in the preliminary round, more than 10 advanced to the second round, and ultimately one individual was selected.
Typically, payload specialists are not professional astronauts. The payload specialist from Hong Kong is Chief Inspector Lai Ka-ying of the police force.
Meanwhile, the Macau government expressed that the selection of a specialist from the region as a national backup astronaut reflects the significant importance and support from the central government for Macau’s scientific and technological innovation, allowing Macau to take an important step forward in the field of aerospace science and technology.
China has invested billions of USD in its space program as it pursues plans to send humans to the Moon by 2030.
Huang Weifen, the chief designer of the astronaut system for China’s crewed space program, stated that the selection and training of astronauts are currently focused on two main missions: the space station and landing on the Moon.
In the future, there will be training sessions simulating Moon landings.
