Mainland astronauts on Tuesday said they expect Hong Kong will contribute more to the country's aerospace development.

A 17-member delegation, including four astronauts, are in the SAR for a four-day visit.

Lin Xiqiang, the Deputy Director General of the China Manned Space Agency, said Hong Kong's contribution to the nation's aerospace projects has increased, but more can be expected.

"We hope to see astronauts from Hong Kong and Macau stationed in the country's space station. We hope designs by the scientific and education sectors of Hong Kong and Macau can be experimented with in the space station," he said.

"We also look forward to Hong Kong and Macau further leveraging their advantages of one country, two systems, and contribute more to the country's aerospace construction."

Earlier, officials including Chief Secretary Eric Chan, as well as a group of primary school students, welcomed the delegation at Hong Kong airport.

"I think [Wang Yaping] is outstanding because my mum said being an astronaut needs long training... Others are male astronauts, but she is female," a primary six student said.

Another primary six student said astronaut Zhang Lu is his role model and he wants to get Zhang's autograph.

"I've liked him for a long time, and I love to read space-related books. My dream is to become an astronaut," the boy said.