FOR Hong Kong, a city better known for skyscrapers than its celestial ambitions, Saturday marked a historic moment in its pursuit of an aerospace dream.

As China unveiled the Shenzhou-23 crew for its space station mission, Li Jiaying, a local payload specialist, became the first astronaut from the financial hub to join the national space program.

The landmark achievement has sparked immense excitement and pride across the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Macao Special Administrative Region. Many believe that it brings space exploration closer to local communities, testifies to Hong Kong’s scientific research strengths, highlights the Central Government’s confidence in the city, and represents a major step forward for regional integration into national development under the “one country, two systems” policy.

In a statement issued Saturday morning, John Lee, chief executive of the HKSAR, expressed gratitude to the country for its support for and trust in the region, and wished the Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceflight mission great success.

“The HKSAR is embracing a historic moment in the pursuit of its aerospace dream. We are deeply inspired by this moment of extraordinary significance, where a Hong Kong specialist takes part in the spaceflight mission as an astronaut for the first time,” Lee said in a press release.

“I express my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing the HKSAR’s technology talent with this valuable opportunity to take part in the aerospace endeavors of the country,” he stated, adding that it is not only an affirmation of Li’s own capability, but also a testimony to the country’s high recognition of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology talent, development and achievements.

Formerly a Hong Kong Police Force staff member, Li wins high praise from the local disciplined services.

The University of Hong Kong (HKU), Li’s alma mater, conveyed warm congratulations. HKU president Zhang Xiang noted Li’s journey from campus labs to outer space sets an inspiring example for “a new generation of Hong Kong scientists to reach for the stars and contribute to our nation’s glorious space odyssey.”

Local educators and students share the delight. Nicholas Muk Ka-chun, a history teacher at Pui Kiu Middle School, which offers science and space-related courses, said Hong Kong residents have shifted from mere spectators to active participants in national space undertakings, with students eager to embark on relevant career paths.

U U Sang, president of the Administrative Committee of the Science and Technology Development Fund in Macao, said Li’s accomplishment inspires Macao’s research community, believing that Macao will further press ahead with aerospace and cutting-edge technology research in line with national strategic plans.

As China’s space station welcomes its first Hong Kong payload specialist, the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory, abbreviated as MUSICO, jointly developed by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), has been mounted on China’s space station. As the station’s first spaceborne greenhouse gas detector, it fully reflects Hong Kong’s profound engagement in national space projects.

Endowed with global vision and sound fundamental research capabilities, local researchers will gain more opportunities to join follow-up payload projects, said Hoi Shan Hsu, a member of the Committee on Innovation, Technology and Industry Development of the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau of the HKSAR government.

Inspired by Li, a growing number of Hong Kong scientists will play their parts in the country’s space exploration programs in the future, said Wong Kam-fai, associate dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

“The can-do ethos of Hong Kong keeps me going,” Li said Saturday. “Many people have asked me to take good photos of Hong Kong from above. I will keep that in mind.” (Xinhua)