Hong Kong astronauts? Technology chief expects fierce competition for national space programme role in first-ever recruitment drive
Beijing announces its space agency will extend recruitment for 14 astronauts, including two payload specialists, to Hong Kong and MacauLocal experts says city’s postdoctoral researchers can contribute with their expertise in biomedicine and artificial intelligenceHong Kong economyEdith LinandTony CheungPublished: 1:55pm, 3 Oct, 2022Why you can trust SCMP
Hong Kong’s technology minister has said he expects intense competition in the city among those fighting for a spot on a national space programme, while scholars suggest that local researchers can contribute with their expertise in biomedicine and artificial intelligence.
Beijing announced on Sunday that its space agency had for the first time extended recruitment for two payload specialists to Hong Kong and Macau, with a three-week local application process starting on Thursday.
Sun Dong, secretary for innovation, technology and industry, said on Monday that the manned space programme would pick two payload specialists from across the country, including Hong Kong, and that competition would be “fierce”.
“This is the first national selection of payload specialists in Hong Kong. The competition should be fierce. We hope all eligible young people can sign up actively,” Sun told a radio programme.