China's Shenzhou-23 manned spacecraft, carried by a Long March-2F carrier rocket, successfully lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
Thousands of kilometers away from the launch center in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), cheers echoed across university campuses, dormitories, and community venues, accompanied by the waving of national and regional flags, creating a dazzling expanse of red sea. The
astronaut roster for the spacecraft had been announced the day before. Li Jiaying, or Lai Ka-ying in Cantonese, is a Hong Kong native participating in the mission. She made history as the first member of China's fourth astronaut batch to orbit, and the first female payload specialist from the Hong Kong and Macau SARs to join China's national manned space program.
As the launch date neared, a crowd of students gathered at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
MUSICO, short for Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory, a compact, high-precision point source detector for methane and carbon dioxide jointly developed by the university, arrived at China's Tiangong space station aboard the Tianzhou-10 cargo spacecraft earlier this month.
Lai is scheduled to conduct in-orbit operations using this Hong Kong-developed scientific instrument.
"The central government has provided a solid foundation for us, allowing Hong Kong to contribute its wisdom and strengths," said Pan Fei, a doctoral student at HKUST.
"This marks Hong Kong's first scientific payload operating on the Tiangong station," said Su Hui, chair professor in the department of civil and environmental engineering at HKUST. "The mission is a milestone that fully demonstrates the central government's support and recognition of Hong Kong's participation in space exploration." At the University
of Hong Kong ( HKU ) , nearly 50 faculty and students gathered to support their alumnus, Lai. His doctoral supervisor , Chow Kampui , an honorary associate professor at HKU , watched the historic launch via livestream.
"Lai has been an inspiring role model for us," said an undergraduate biology student surnamed Yeung. This breakthrough inspired him to apply his professional knowledge to medical research. "His spaceflight has made the nation's dreams of space and innovation tangible and achievable."
A freshman psychology student surnamed Wong shared the excitement sweeping the city. "In the past, astronauts seemed like distant figures behind the screen. Seeing a Hong Kong native go into space fills us with immense pride. Our motherland, China, is providing a platform far broader than anything we could have ever imagined."
Celebrations were held in local communities. Members of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Federation of Community Organizations gathered to witness the launch. As a native of Shunde, Guangdong, Lai has a deep connection with the Shunde people. Thunderous applause and cheers erupted as the spacecraft successfully entered its designated orbit.
"Lai is an outstanding role model and a true reflection of the strong ties between Guangdong and Hong Kong," said George Lung Chee-ming, the federation's executive vice chairman. He also noted that Lai's space mission reflects Hong Kong's deep integration into China's national development.
Nearly 100 people gathered in front of the headquarters of the Hong Kong Federation of Fujian Associations, chanting encouragement for the Hong Kong astronaut.
"This historic achievement belongs to the entire Chinese nation and brings pride to Hong Kong," said Sze Ching-lau, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and chairman of the federation. He noted that national support empowers young talents in Hong Kong, and Lai's mission will encourage more young people to uphold patriotism and pursue scientific innovation.
Hong Kong is a witness, an active participant, and a dedicated contributor to China's aerospace progress. As many young Hong Kongers said while watching the live broadcast, "Lai is our pride. If he can reach space, we can do it one day too."
