Shenzhou XIII crew members Wang Yaping (left) and Ye Guangfu give a lecture to students on Thursday from China's space station. During the class, fellow astronaut Zhai Zhigang introduced the special uniform Ye was wearing, saying it is called a "penguin jumpsuit". The astronauts also talked about living and working conditions in the space station and conducted scientific experiments. The three Chinese astronauts Wang, Ye and Zhai went into space on Oct 16. ZHANG JINJIA/XINHUA
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu welcomed the nation’s unprecedented move to include Hong Kong payload specialists for selection among the fourth generation of astronauts, saying it is inspiring news full of historic significance.
In a government statement on Sunday, Lee said the move fully demonstrates the nation’s care, support and trust for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. “It reflected the nation’s confidence on Hong Kong’s scientific research ability, as well as its care for Hong Kong youngsters’ development.”
He encouraged all Hong Kong students and local communities to take this opportunity to better understand the nation’s fruitful achievements on manned space programs and to enhance their national awareness and identity.
Lee said the HKSAR government will give its full assistance and cooperation to the selection process. He has designated Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong to facilitate the selection of specialists, and Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun to undertake the coordination and education of the task.