Lai Ka-ying, the first astronaut from China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, has been selected as a payload specialist for the Shenzhou-23 spaceflight mission, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said on Saturday.

Lai, who holds a PhD in computer forensics and previously served in the Hong Kong Police Force, will join mission commander Zhu Yangzhu and spacecraft pilot Zhang Zhiyuan on the Shenzhou-23 mission, scheduled for launch at 11:08 p.m. on Sunday (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.

Lai passed the flight qualification assessment with outstanding results. "She is currently in good overall condition and demonstrates strong crew coordination," Zhang Jingbo, the CMSA spokesperson, told a press conference on Saturday.

As a payload specialist, Lai will operate space science experiment equipment aboard China's space station, Zhang said.

'My heart is filled with gratitude'

Making her public debut as an astronaut later that day, Lai expressed gratitude to the country for giving her the opportunity to fulfill her dream, and thanked the HKSAR government and Hong Kong residents for their steadfast support.

"My heart is filled with gratitude and a deep sense of honor. I also feel the great responsibility that comes with this mission," she said. "I will give my absolute best to complete all tasks."

"I will not let the people of Hong Kong down, and even more so, I will not fail the trust placed in me by the motherland," she added.

Hong Kong's growing role in national space program

Zhang highlighted the growing integration of Hong Kong's scientific community into the national space program in recent years.

"Under the framework of 'one country, two systems,' Hong Kong is expected to leverage its international advantages to further gather and cultivate high-end scientific and technological talents, contributing to the advancement of the country's manned space program," he added.

HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee on Saturday congratulated Lai on becoming a member of the country's fourth batch of astronauts.

"The HKSAR is embracing a historic moment in the pursuit of its aerospace dream. We are deeply inspired by this moment of extraordinary significance, where a Hong Kong specialist takes part in the spaceflight mission as an astronaut for the first time," Lee said in a press release.

He also thanked the country for providing the HKSAR's technology talent with the opportunity to participate in the nation's aerospace endeavors, calling it both recognition of Lai's abilities and an affirmation of Hong Kong's innovation and technology achievements.

China's fourth female astronaut in space

When Lai lifts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, she will follow Liu Yang, Wang Yaping and Wang Haoze as China's fourth female astronaut to travel to space.

Paying tribute to the female astronauts before her, Lai described them as "truly remarkable women."

Noting that Wang Yaping and Liu Yang are pilots, while Wang Haoze is an engineer, Lai, as a payload specialist, said her role would differ slightly, with a primary focus on managing payloads and conducting delicate experiments.

"As I come from Hong Kong, I also carry an additional mission: to serve as a bridge for the space endeavors of Hong Kong, Macao and the mainland."

From police officer to astronaut

Described by mission commander Zhu Yangzhu as "resilient, meticulous and a strong team player," Lai completed her transition from police officer to astronaut in just over two years.

Born in Hong Kong in November 1982, Lai is a mother of three. Since joining China's astronaut corps in August 2024, she has completed more than 200 training tasks across eight major categories, accumulating over 1,700 training hours. Her training included space science research, technology experiments, space station systems management, and operations involving manned spacecraft and robotic arms, all of which met mission requirements.

"The journey has been challenging and at times extremely demanding," said Lai. "We may be a small family, but our country is one big family." She added that she hopes to set an example for her children.

"Standing here today, I owe it to the thorough instruction of my astronaut teachers, the selfless dedication of everyone in the space program, and the unconditional support of my family."

Looking ahead to the mission, Lai said she was excited to view Earth from orbit.

"Many people have asked me to take good photos of Hong Kong from above. I will keep that in mind," Lai said.

Encouraging young people to pursue their ambitions, Lai urged them to prepare themselves well and seize opportunities when they arise.

"There is no failure, only success and learning," she said. "No matter when, you should always keep striving, stay prepared and persevere, and then you will succeed."

(With input from Xinhua)