One giant leap for at least two Hong Kong astronaut hopefuls

At least two Hong Kong candidates have made it to the final round of China's astronaut selection drive, says Secretary for Innovation and Technology Sun Dong.

Among the 80 candidates recommended by Hong Kong, at least one man and one woman passed the first two rounds of interviews.

"I'm pleased to share that candidates from Hong Kong have progressed to the final round of selection," Sun said. "It's not just one person, we have both men and women among the finalists."

Sun said mainland representatives will visit Hong Kong next month to learn more about the candidates and is expecting good news by the end of the year.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said in June that more than 10 Hong Kong candidates had passed the first round of screening and set off on a month-long trip to Beijing for a second round without naming them.

They were from local universities, the government, the Hospital Authority and other private organizations and companies.

In October last year the China Manned Space Agency announced it was recruiting 12 to 14 reserve astronauts for space missions, with two payload specialist positions open to candidates from Hong Kong and Macau for the first time.

Over 100 people from Hong Kong signed up and the list was narrowed down to about 80. The payload specialists will be selected from experts in fields related to space science research with at least three years experience.

Meanwhile, the first commercial satellite developed in the city, the Hong Kong Star, has finished assembly and testing. The Hong Kong Satellite Manufacturing Center said it aims to launch in the mainland in November.

Sun, speaking at an event at the Advanced Manufacturing Center in Tseung Kwan O yesterday, said the center plans to make 720 satellites by 2029 and launch at least 60 satellites every year to build a "Hong Kong space satellite constellation."

He added: "I think this will be of great help in promoting the development of a digital economy and the construction of a smart city in Hong Kong."

Sun said Hong Kong has reached out to over 200 innovative technology companies.

The satellite is equipped with a high-resolution optical camera, which provides three-dimensional images along with precise and accurate data for improving city planning and minimizing the damage caused by natural disasters.

The center said it plans to launch a mid-size rocket in Hong Kong waters next year. They are in talks with the government to build a testing facility to set up a one-stop production line.

eunice.lam@singtaonewscorp.com