China set for latest space launch, with Hong Kong astronaut aboard
Key takeaways
- The team comprises Lai Ka-ying, hailed by state media as Hong Kong’s first astronaut, Zhu Yangzhu and Zhang Zhiyuan, the spokesman said.
- Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee congratulated Lai on passing “the rigorous selection and training process”.
- Flight engineer Zhu, who participated in the Shenzhou-16 mission in 2023, will be the commander.
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
Add ARY News on Google AAResize BEIJING: A Hong Kong astronaut will join a Chinese space mission for the first time as part of a three-person crew launching on Sunday, as Beijing edges closer to its goal of landing people on the Moon.
The Tiangong space station — crewed by teams of three astronauts that are typically rotated every six months — is the crown jewel of China’s space programme, boosted by billions in state investment in a bid to catch up with the United States and Russia.
The Shenzhou-23 mission will blast off at 11:08 pm (1508 GMT) on Sunday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, carrying three astronauts to the space station, China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) spokesman Zhang Jingbo told reporters on Saturday.