Policewoman picked as Hong Kong’s first astronaut for China’s space programme

Difficulty: Summiteer (Level 3)

A Hong Kong policewoman has been selected as the city’s first astronaut for China’s space programme. She used to work at the police force’s secret technical services division. She is a chief inspector and holds a doctoral degree. To be selected, she competed with more than 80 candidates from the city.

A source close to the selection process said the officer was considered a technology expert. The woman was attached to the force’s low profile and secret technical services division operating under the crime wing before she was transferred.

A spokesman from the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau said the government would maintain close contact with relevant mainland authorities and update the public soon.

In October 2022, Beijing’s space agency said it had extended recruitment to Hong Kong and Macau for two payload specialists in its fourth astronaut intake.

The selection process included a three-week recruitment drive. The position of payload specialist requires a strong background in science or engineering. It involves overseeing highly complex or classified on-board equipment and tasks.

Quiz time

1. What is the background of the police officer who will be part of China’s space programme?

2. How many candidates from Hong Kong competed to be part of China’s space programme?

3. What is the position that this person will take in the space programme?

4. What responsibilities does this role involve?

The policewomen was attached to the force’s low profile and secret technical services division operating under the crime wing before she was transferred. Photo: Xinhua

Suggested answers

1. She worked with the force’s secret technical services division, and she holds a doctoral degree.

2. more than 80

3. payload specialists

4. It involves overseeing complex or classified spacecraft equipment and tasks.