Hong Kong astronaut Lai Ka-ying sends Mid-Autumn Festival wishes to residents from space

In a historic gesture, Hong Kong's inaugural astronaut Lai Ka-ying has sent a heartfelt Mid-Autumn Festival blessing to residents of Earth while orbiting the moon aboard China's Tiangong space station. From her unique vantage point, Lai expressed a profound sense of longing for her family and friends in Hong Kong, stating, "Looking at the moon from here and looking down at the earth, I increasingly miss my family and friends in Hong Kong."

On this auspicious occasion, Lai conveyed her warm wishes for the well-being and happiness of all Chinese citizens, as well as prosperity and a harmonious future for Hong Kong and Macau. She also revealed that she had received letters, paintings, and blessings from students in Hong Kong and Macau, which deeply touched her. Lai urged these young individuals to continue learning about China's aerospace achievements and to foster a strong sense of patriotism.

Lai explained that she understood a specialized aerospace education program called "A Shared Cosmic Vision for National Rejuvenation" was underway in Hong Kong and Macau. She emphasized that this program was not only about transferring knowledge from the Tiangong space station to these regions but also about the significant and memorable communication taking place between her and Hong Kong and Macau's young learners.

Earlier this month, Lai, along with fellow Shenzhou-23 crew members Colonel Zhu Yangzhu and Zhang Zhiyuan, conducted a live lesson from space for students and teachers at her former school, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College. This 90-minute session was broadcast across city campuses and live TV channels. During the broadcast, Lai inspired students to persevere and not fear difficulties, highlighting the shared resilience embodied by Hong Kong's Lion Rock spirit and the spirit of manned space flight – both demand courage and tenacity in pursuing one's dreams.