Zhang raises hope of HK astronaut

Source: Xinhua  |   2008-12-6  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

HONG Kong could have an astronaut in space "in the near future," reporters were told yesterday.

Answering questions at a press briefing, Zhang Jianqi, deputy commander of China's manned space mission and head of the Shenzhou VII mission delegation which was visiting the city, said: "There are some procedures and requirements in the selection of astronauts. But I believe that one day, by which I mean some day in the near future, Hong Kong will have its astronaut in space on our own spacecraft."

Zhang told reporters that there had been cooperation between the manned space mission center in Beijing and the Chinese University of Hong Kong on certain projects.

There was room for further cooperation with the acclaimed universities in Hong Kong, with the expected expansion of research carried out by China's manned space mission, Zhang said.

The manned space mission center has launched a Website to facilitate communications with those who were interested in putting research projects on spacecraft, he said.

Zhang said the recently completed Shenzhou VII mission was the first launching planned for the second phase of China's manned space mission strategy.

The visiting delegation, including Zhai Zhigang, who completed China's first space walk, has been at the center of attention since they arrived in Hong Kong yesterday.

"People in Hong Kong are proud of their success," said Betty Fung, director of information services of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, in opening remarks at the delegation's media briefing session.

During their four-day visit to the city, Zhai and two other astronauts are expected to meet local residents in get-togethers and attend a university forum.

Zhang also said China would have its first woman astronaut in the future phases of the strategy that are expected to involve more laboratory work.