Hong Kong museums to open exhibition on China’s space programme featuring rare artefacts such as spacesuit, carrier rockets

“It is an important milestone for China to climb the peak of science and technology and build a strong country in these areas,” said Lin, who is leading a 17-strong delegation in the city.

“In the new era, China’s manned spaceflight will embark on a new journey and contribute to development in space.”

The two-part showcase will feature more than 25 displays, including a spacecraft return capsule, a spacesuit and models of the Tiangong space station, as well as carrier rockets – launch vehicles which help transport a spacecraft from the Earth into outer space – from the “Long March” series.

Visitors will also be able to explore models of major flight components for future crew-led moon landings, such as new-generation manned spacecraft.

Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki said he hoped the exhibition would inspire young people to become interested in space science and consider a career in the aerospace industry.

“Hong Kong supports the space aspirations of its young people,” he said.

China began its space programme in 1992, kicking off a three-stage plan to gradually increase its capabilities in space exploration and experimentation, and ultimately establish its own manned outpost orbiting the Earth.

Space agency official praises aerospace efforts as astronauts land in Hong Kong

It achieved that milestone last November, when astronauts on the Shenzhou-14 mission – led by Chen Dong, a member of the visiting delegation and head of the astronaut corps – helped complete the construction of the Tiangong space station. The name of the outpost means “sky palace” in English.

Panoramic photos showing the station in its full form for the first time were released on Tuesday, coinciding with the delegation’s visit.

Hong Kong student Vincent Zheng Jun-cheng, 14, who was selected to take part in an an annual camp for aspiring astronauts on the mainland earlier this year, said he felt initiatives such as the exhibition and opportunities to hear from space professionals in person helped stimulate public interest in the sector.

Young Hongkongers over the moon at meeting down-to-earth Chinese astronaut

Members of the visiting delegation, the first one featuring Chinese astronauts since 2012, have had a packed itinerary since arriving in the city on Tuesday. They have attended dialogue sessions with local students and a performance at the Hong Kong Coliseum.

“I was inspired to meet them and hear not just why, but how they became astronauts,” said Zheng, adding that he hoped to become a space science researcher in the future.

The exhibition will open to the public on Friday and run until February 18 next year, with free admission.