Hong Kong will offer designated funding to support local research teams taking part in national space missions, with the first astronaut from the city set to begin her training in Beijing. Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong said on Saturday the Hongkonger would soon begin her preparations to serve as a payload specialist in the country’s space programme. The Post earlier reported the successful candidate was a policewoman who previously worked in the force’s secret technical services division. Sun said the astronaut would engage in science outreach activities for young people while in space, in addition to her regular work operating instruments and conducting experiments. He added that the government intended to allocate targeted funding to support local research teams to engage in national space exploration initiatives, such as the development of autonomous navigation robots. “There are many coming Mars and lunar exploration missions. Several universities in Hong Kong are actively engaged in related research,” he told a TV show. “The government is exploring ways to provide special funding and resources to support these Hong Kong teams. “This requires close discussions with local universities and the national space programme centre. The timeline is tight, as the next lunar mission is expected to be around 2027 to 2028.” The identity of the city’s first astronaut has remained undisclosed in accordance with established rules. The Hongkonger was among 10 chosen in the latest group of astronauts, which also included a Macau resident, the China Manned Space Agency said. The agency also said the group would soon enter the China Astronaut Research and Training Centre to begin preparing for space missions. Last month, the Post reported that the officer, a chief inspector holding a doctorate, was chosen over more than 80 hopefuls from the city. She previously worked in the force’s secret technical services before being transferred to the Security Bureau. In October 2022, Beijing’s space agency said it was looking for two payload specialists for its fourth astronaut intake, with recruitment extended to Hong Kong and Macau for the first time. The selection process included a three-week recruitment drive, with 14 spots available. Hong Kong authorities received 120 applications, which they narrowed down to a list of 40 people for the national agency’s consideration. Sun also addressed the government’s efforts to enhance cybersecurity measures in both the public and private sectors amid recent attacks and data breaches. He said he was hopeful new measures would be rolled out next month, with the appointment of a directorate-level officer in each policy bureau or government department to oversee cybersecurity. “We need a more comprehensive security detection and crisis management mechanism,” he said. “In the second half of the year, we will introduce IT security drills to help identify and fix potential loopholes promptly.” He said department leaders would have “clear roles in managing the aftermath” of cybersecurity incidents and be able to propose improvements. Reflecting on his two years in office, Sun said there was rising public confidence in the ability to turn Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre. He added that efforts would be directed towards turning innovation and technology into tangible economic growth.
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