Hong Kongs First Astronaut Lai Ka-ying Adapts to Microgravity Aboard Tiangong, Space-Earth Dialogue Expected Soon
Summary: Lai Ka-ying, Hong Kong SARs first astronaut and Shenzhou-23 payload specialist, is adapting to microgravity aboard the Tiangong space station, with a space-to-Earth dialogue with HK residents expected within 1-2 months.
According to a June 20 report by Global Times, Shenzhou-23 payload specialist Lai Ka-ying is currently adjusting to the microgravity environment aboard the Tiangong space station and is in good condition. The report states that a live space-to-Earth dialogue with Hong Kong residents is expected within one to two months, during which she will share her experiences of living and working in orbit with the public.
Lai is the first female payload specialist selected from the Hong Kong and Macau regions, and the first member of China fourth generation of astronauts to fly a mission. The Shenzhou-23 crewed spacecraft launched on May 24, 2026, at 23:08 Beijing time, carrying a three-person crew: commander and pilot Zhu Yangzhu, flight engineer Zhang Zhiyuan, and payload specialist Lai Ka-ying. The spacecraft docked with the Tiangong station on May 25, and the crew subsequently entered the station to begin an in-orbit handover with the outgoing crew.
Prior to her astronaut career, Lai worked in computer-related roles at the Hong Kong Police Force. Reportedly, she carries a scientific payload developed by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the first Hong Kong-developed experiment to operate aboard the Tiangong station. During her time in orbit, she will conduct space science experiments using this instrument across multiple fields, including space life sciences, space materials science, and aerospace medicine.