{
  "id": 6384530,
  "title": "SAR's first astronaut inspires students from space",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/sars-first-astronaut-inspires-students-from-space",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-09T04:36:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK English",
    "slug": "rthk-english",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1869377-20260909.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The SAR's inaugural astronaut, Lai Ka-ying, made a virtual return to her former school on Wednesday, engaging students from Hong Kong and Macau in a live educational lecture broadcast from the Tiangong Space Station. The event, part of the Tiangong Class Hong Kong and Macao Designated Session, offered students a unique perspective on life aboard the orbital laboratory. Accompanied by Shenzhou-23 crewmates Zhu Yangzhu and Zhang Zhiyuan, Lai led a 90-minute interactive tour, showcasing their daily routines and in-orbit experiments. As a payload specialist, Lai provided a behind-the-scenes look at her sleeping quarters and introduced a diverse array of culinary options available to the crew, including rice, noodles, bread, and various dishes like braised pork and Kung Pao Chicken. The science and technology teams on the ground prepared a wide range of nutritious meals, from staple foods to specialty dishes and even homemade yogurt. During a lively question and answer session, a student inquired about Lai's motivation for applying to the national payload specialist programme. Lai revealed that she had initially not aspired to become an astronaut as a child, but when she learned that mainland authorities were opening the selection process to candidates from Hong Kong and Macao for the first time, she seized the opportunity. Reflecting on her journey, Lai emphasized the importance of thorough preparation and seizing opportunities when they arise, urging students to remain diligent in their daily lives and pursue their dreams with courage. Chief Executive John Lee attended the dialogue, highlighting the significance of Lai's achievement as proof that Hongkongers can actively participate in national space endeavors. Lee also reaffirmed the government's commitment to enhancing science education and encouraging broader community involvement in the city's growing aerospace enthusiasm.",
  "summary": "The SAR's first astronaut, Lai Ka-ying, made a virtual return to her alma mater on Wednesday morning, beaming in from the Tiangong Space Station for a live educational lecture that captivated students across Hong Kong and Macao. The event, part of the \"Tiangong Class\" Hong Kong and Macao Designated Session, took place at Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College and gave young viewers a rare…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RTHK News",
        "title": "SAR's first astronaut inspires students from space",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/sars-first-astronaut-inspires-students-from-space-6384672",
        "published": "2026-09-09T04:36:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}