On the evening of May 24, China’s crewed spacecraft Shenzhou 23 was successfully launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu province. Hong Kong native Ka Ying Lai joined the mission, becoming the first Hong Kong citizen to travel into space.
Born in 1982, Lai graduated from the University of Hong Kong and holds a background in computer science, cryptography, and a PhD in digital forensics. She later joined the Hong Kong Police Force’s Criminal Intelligence Bureau, focusing on information technology and cybercrime investigations, and was promoted to superintendent in 2025. In 2022, she took part in China’s fourth selection program for astronauts and was selected in 2024 as a payload specialist, officially beginning her astronaut career.
During the mission, Lai is primarily responsible for conducting scientific experiments onboard the spacecraft, including operating the “Tianyun” camera developed with participation from Hong Kong research teams. The instrument is capable of monitoring carbon dioxide and methane emissions from space, supporting China’s “carbon peak and carbon neutrality” strategy.
In pre-launch and public appearances, Lai repeatedly expressed gratitude to the nation, emphasising being “devoted to the country” and encouraging Hong Kong youth to integrate into national development. During the mission send-off, she sang Ode to the Motherland with her teammates and said in Cantonese: “The higher our country’s spacecraft flies, the higher we can hold our heads.”
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee described her spaceflight as a reflection of the advantages of “one country, two systems,” noting that Hong Kong’s return to China made it possible for Hong Kong citizens to participate in national space development.
Commentary:
Ka Ying Lai becoming the first Hong Kong person in space is undoubtedly a major personal and professional achievement, marking a milestone in Hong Kong’s development in scientific research and professional talent. However, the way this event is presented in public discourse has clearly extended beyond a purely scientific breakthrough or individual honour, and has been expanded into broader political narratives and discussions of identity.
From government statements to pro-establishment media coverage, attention has not only focused on the scientific value of the space mission, but also on its symbolic meaning. On one hand, Lai is placed alongside other successful Hong Kong figures in sports and science, forming a model “success narrative”; on the other hand, her personal experience is reinterpreted as evidence of Hong Kong’s close integration with China’s development, further strengthening efforts to shape national identity among younger generations.