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CE extends congratulations on successful launch of manned Shenzhou-23 spacecraft (with photos)
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     ​The Long March 2F Y23 carrier rocket carrying the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship was launched at 11.08pm today (May 24) at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The spaceship was successfully separated from the rocket and entered the predetermined orbit. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, warmly extended his congratulations on the successful launch and paid his solemn tribute and sent his best wishes to the crew members, including the first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Dr Lai Ka-ying.

     Mr Lee said, "Through more than 30 years of the manned space programme, the country has realised its grand blueprint of developing into an aerospace power through its unwavering determination, alongside its forward-looking vision, strategic planning, and unparalleled perseverance. This mission is of great significance, as it is not only the first manned spaceflight mission during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, but also the first time for a payload expert from the HKSAR to participate in it. All citizens of Hong Kong are thrilled and proud.

     "The National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly sets out key strategies to develop a modernised industrial system and expedite the development into an aerospace power. With the strong support of the country, the HKSAR can transform from a 'supporter' of the country's great aerospace endeavours into an 'executor'. This not only demonstrates the HKSAR's capability in contributing to the country's development into an aerospace power, but also showcases how Hong Kong could better integrate into and serve the overall national development."

     After entering orbit, the spacecraft will dock and rendezvous with the space station as planned. The Shenzhou-23 crew will conduct on-orbit rotation with the Shenzhou-21 crew. The crew, including Dr Lai, will stay in the space station and conduct multiple experiments and applications in various fields such as scientific applications.

     The HKSAR Government will seize the opportunities arising from the historic moment of having a Hong Kong expert participating in a national spaceflight mission for the first time, to further enhance popular science education, showcase the stellar achievements of the country's aerospace technology development, highlight the distinctive contributions of the HKSAR to the national space endeavours, and inspire young people to engage in the field of innovation and technology (I&T), with a view to cultivating more I&T talent for the country and the HKSAR.
 
Ends/Sunday, May 24, 2026
Issued at HKT 23:30
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Photo shows crew members of Shenzhou-23 manned spaceflight mission Dr Lai Ka-ying (left), Mr Zhu Yangzhu (centre), and Mr Zhang Zhiyuan (right) attending the send-off ceremony.
Photo shows crew members of Shenzhou-23 manned spaceflight mission Dr Lai Ka-ying (left), Mr Zhu Yangzhu (centre), and Mr Zhang Zhiyuan (right) attending the send-off ceremony.
Photo shows crew members of Shenzhou-23 manned spaceflight mission Dr Lai Ka-ying (left), Mr Zhu Yangzhu (centre), and Mr Zhang Zhiyuan (right) attending the send-off ceremony.
Photo shows the Long March 2F Y23 carrier rocket carrying the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship launched successfully at 11.08pm on May 24 at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. ‎
Photo shows the Long March 2F Y23 carrier rocket carrying the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship launched successfully at 11.08pm on May 24 at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. ‎