Hong Kong’s leader has sent his blessings to the first local astronaut, Lai Ka-ying, in a video call ahead of the launch of the Shenzhou-23 space flight on Sunday, calling her participation in the mission a reflection of the country’s trust and support for the city.

Payload specialist Lai, in response, recalled her packed, tough training in Beijing, which had “finally come to an end”, while expressing confidence that she would complete her space mission.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Sunday uploaded footage of his video call with Lai, in which he was joined by Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong and Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan.

“We are very proud that you are the first Hongkonger to participate in a national crewed space flight mission. We wish to congratulate you, send our blessings to you and show our care,” he said, recalling they last met in 2024 before she headed to Beijing for her training.

“Your participation in this mission shows our country’s recognition of you, as well as our country’s trust and support for Hong Kong.”

Lai, a 43-year-old police superintendent who holds a doctorate in computer science, is part of the Shenzhou-23 mission team set to blast-off on Sunday and dock with China’s Tiangong space station.