{
  "id": 6384672,
  "title": "SAR's first astronaut inspires students from space",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/sars-first-astronaut-inspires-students-from-space-6384672",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-09T04:36:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK News",
    "slug": "rthk-news",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1869377-20260909.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lai Ka-ying, the SAR's inaugural astronaut, returned to her school from the Tiangong Space Station on Wednesday to deliver a live educational lecture. The event, part of the Tiangong Class Hong Kong and Macao Designated Session, was attended by students from Hong Kong and Macao at Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College. Lai, along with her Shenzhou-23 crewmates Zhu Yangzhu and Zhang Zhiyuan, led a 90-minute interactive tour, providing an up-close look at life aboard the space station.\n\nDuring the tour, Lai showcased her sleeping quarters and presented a diverse menu of dishes available to the crew, ranging from staple foods to specialty dishes and dehydrated vegetables. In a question-and-answer session, Lai shared that she hadn't considered becoming an astronaut as a child but seized the opportunity when mainland authorities opened the selection process to candidates from Hong Kong and Macao for the first time.\n\nLai emphasized the importance of thorough preparation and seizing opportunities, drawing on her educational background, scientific research training, and work experience. She also highlighted the challenges of life in orbit and the importance of trust and dedication. Chief Executive John Lee commended Lai's achievement as a testament to Hongkongers' ability to contribute to national space endeavors and reaffirmed the government's commitment to enhancing science education and outreach.",
  "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 English",
        "title": "SAR's first astronaut inspires students from space",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/sars-first-astronaut-inspires-students-from-space",
        "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."
}