The Shenzhou-23 spacecraft – carrying a three-member crew including Hong Kong's first astronaut Lai Ka-ying – blasted off on Sunday evening, opening yet another chapter in China's space programme.

The China Manned Space Agency described the launch as a complete success.

Lai is joining fellow astronauts Zhu Yangzhu and Zhang Zhiyuan in the country's latest crewed space mission.

The spacecraft was launched at 11.08pm as scheduled, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket.

It separated from the rocket about 10 minutes later and entered orbit.

Zhu heads the Shenzhou-23 mission and is the country's first spaceflight engineer to serve as commander. He previously took part in the Shenzhou-16 mission.

Zhang is a spacecraft pilot and Lai is a payload specialist, and both are on their first space mission.

Lai made history as the first astronaut from Hong Kong to travel to space. She's also the country's fourth female astronaut to reach space.

In a statement, Chief Executive John Lee extended his congratulations on the successful launch and sent his best wishes to the crew members.

"This mission is of great significance, as it is not only the first manned spaceflight mission during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, but also the first time for a payload expert from the HKSAR to participate in it. All citizens of Hong Kong are thrilled and proud," Lee said.

"The National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly sets out key strategies to develop a modernised industrial system and expedite the development into an aerospace power. With the strong support of the country, the HKSAR can transform from a 'supporter' of the country's great aerospace endeavours into an 'executor'.

"This not only demonstrates the HKSAR's capability in contributing to the country's development into an aerospace power, but also showcases how Hong Kong could better integrate into and serve the overall national development."

The Shenzhou-23 crew are heading to the Tiangong Space Station and will complete an in-orbit handover with the Shenzhou-21 crew, who will then return to Earth.

The Shenzhou-23 crew will also conduct multiple experiments and applications in various fields such as scientific applications. (Additional reporting by Xinhua)
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Last updated: 2026-05-24 HKT 23:51



Edited by Edmond Fong