Hong Kong policewoman picked as astronaut for China’s space programme

In October 2022, Beijing’s space agency said it had extended recruitment for two payload specialists for its fourth astronaut intake to Hong Kong and Macau for the first time.

The selection process included a three-week recruitment drive, with 14 spots available.

The position of payload specialist requires a strong background in science or engineering, and involves overseeing highly complex or classified on-board equipment and tasks such as taking astronautical measurements.

The government later said more than 100 Hongkongers had signed up and about 80 people made it to the shortlist.

In May last year, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said about a dozen shortlisted candidates from Hong Kong and Macau would head to Beijing for another round of screening.

He said Hongkongers who passed the preliminary screening were from government departments, the Hospital Authority, universities and other organisations.

Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong said last September that candidates, “both men and women” from Hong Kong, had made it to the final round of the selection process, adding that state representatives would visit the city for further evaluations.

China Manned Space Agency deputy director Lin Xiqiang said last November the team hoped to have an astronaut from Hong Kong in the future, as he was visiting the city to share the nation’s latest projects with residents.

He said many candidates from Hong Kong or Macau were among the 20 finalists in the agency’s latest selection round for payload specialists.