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Now in its sixth year, the Young Astronaut Training Camp is again looking for new recruits, and secondary schools are invited to nominate students to join the camp starting from tomorrow (May 1) until May 31. Selected participants will be sent to Beijing and Jiuquan for a series of astronaut training programmes this summer. Those who want to experience astronaut training should not miss this opportunity.
The training camp is jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the China Astronaut Research and Training Center and the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, in association with the Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre.
Sponsored by the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and implemented by the Hong Kong Space Museum, the training camp aims to provide an opportunity for students to learn more about the remarkable achievements and developments of China's space technology through visits to major space facilities in China, and to nurture their interests in astronomy and space science through participation in astronaut training activities.
To enable participants to gain an in-depth understanding of the Chinese lunar exploration programme and developments in space technology, visits will be arranged to the Headquarters of the National Astronomical Observatories and for the first time to the Shahe station, where many professional astronomical instruments and facilities are displayed.
In addition to these visits, participants will be able to meet celebrated Chinese astronauts and will be taught basic space science and technology. They will also undergo astronaut training including making rocket models, putting on and removing a spacesuit, psychological training, escape and survival training and blood redistribution adaptability training. Upon completion of the training, the students will be given an examination and presented with certificates.
The nine-day training camp will run from August 2 to 10. The quota is limited to 30. Candidates should be full-time secondary school students aged 12 or above and be nominated by their respective schools. Each school can nominate no more than two students for selection.
The candidates should be 1.4 to 1.75 metres in height and in good health, independent, extrovert, confident, and genuinely interested in space science. Those with proficiency in Putonghua will be given priority.
There will be three rounds of selection including a quiz in relation to astronomy and space science, a three-day pre-tour training camp and an interview to assess candidates' response and communication skills as well as language competency. Those who perform well in these areas will be selected to join the camp.
For details of the training camp, please visit the Hong Kong Space Museum's website at yatc.hk.space.museum or call 2734 2711.
Ends/Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:01
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