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Introduction
In the second half of 2022, our country launched the recruitment of the fourth batch of preparatory astronauts and the selection of payload experts took place in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for the first time, giving Hong Kong citizens the opportunity to participate in the National Manned Space Programme and contribute to the technological development of our country.
During the application period, a total of 120 applications from local universities, companies in innovation and technology parks, research and development institutions, as well as government departments were received in Hong Kong. After conducting a rigorous selection process in accordance with national standards, the HKSAR Government recommended 40 candidates after the preliminary screening. After the second and final round of selection, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced in June 2024 the completion of the recruitment of the fourth batch of preparatory astronauts, with one of the selected preparatory astronauts being a payload expert from Hong Kong. The CMSA announced on 23 May 2026 the Shenzhou-23 crew, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the payload expert from the HKSAR. This is the first time a Hong Kong astronaut takes part in the national manned spaceflight mission. The Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship was successfully launched on 24 May 2026. The Shenzhou-23 crew will conduct multiple experiments and applications in various fields such as scientific applications during their stay in the space station.
For details on the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceflight mission, please visit the official website of the CMSA:
Payload experts, one of the categories of astronauts classified by types of mission, are professional scientific researchers who will carry out scientific and applied researches in space stations. During space missions, payload experts are mainly responsible for conducting aerospace experiments or researches, operating space laboratory equipment, and managing daily operations of space stations with other astronauts.
The Kick-off Ceremony and Thematic Exhibition on "Achievements of National Aerospace Endeavours" will showcase the accomplishments of our country's aerospace endeavours, as well as the rapid development of aerospace science and technology in both our country and Hong Kong. Event details are as follows:
Kick-off Ceremony
| Organiser | Venue | Event Date | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation | Charles K. Kao Auditorium, Hong Kong Science Park | 16 July 2026 | Website Link |
Thematic Exhibition
| Organiser | Venue | Event Date | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation | Atrium Link, Hong Kong Science Park | 16 to 22 July 2026 | Website Link |
| Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) | The Atrium, LG1, HKPC Building | 1 to 6 August 2026 | Website Link |
| Cyberport | Exhibition Gallery, Cyberport 3 | 12 to 16 August 2026 | Website Link |
Recruitment for preliminary screening will mainly be conducted through the following universities/ organisations/ companies:
- 11 local universities;
- five Government research and development (R&D) centres (including Automotive Platforms and Application Systems R&D Centre, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute, Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre, and Nano and Advanced Materials Institute) and Hong Kong Productivity Council;
- research institutions/ companies at the Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport; and
- Government departments and the Hospital Authority.
Candidates from organisations or companies other than the above may also be considered by the HKSAR Government.
Basic RequirementsPayload experts will undertake key missions in the National Manned Space Programme. Candidates should be Chinese nationals who are permanent residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Candidates and their immediate family members should be patriots who adhere to the principle of “One Country, Two Systems”, uphold the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the Basic Law, have no criminal records, and are supportive of the manned space programme.
1. Gender: Male or Female
2. Age: 30 – 45 years old in principle
3. Family and marital status: No relevant requirements
4. Physical attributes:
- Male candidates should be 162-175cm tall; female candidates should be 160-175cm tall
- Physically fit with no significant allergies, or past medical history or hereditary diseases which may affect space missions
- Uncorrected visual acuity of at least 0.1 and corrected visual acuity of not less than 0.8 in either eye, with no colour blindness
- Mentally fit
5. Academic discipline and qualifications:
- Doctoral degree holder
- Specialises in discipline(s) including biology, medical, psychology, material sciences, physics, chemistry, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, electronic engineering or astronomy, etc.
- At least three years’ professional working experience in relevant discipline(s)
- A good command of Chinese and English with fluent Putonghua