With the first Hong Kong astronaut on board, China’s Shenzhou-23 mission has opened up new horizons. It sends a clear message that space technology and exploration is not out of reach for a place traditionally known for its strength in finance and services. With proper leadership, institutional support and a mentality reset, the city can capitalise on the momentum to fly higher.

The pride and excitement brought by Lai Ka-ying must now be sustained by long-term efforts to further develop a space economy. From nurturing the right ecosystem for start-ups and talent to effecting a fundamental change in student preference and career mindset, a lot more needs to be done if the city wants to go beyond celebrating the success of its first home-grown astronaut.

The calls for more concrete actions are wide-ranging, including a road map for the development of a space economy, and the recruitment of an expert to head a new office to coordinate research and projects among universities and the private sector. There are also suggestions for more funding support, dedicated internships and the establishment of a local aerospace technology hub.

These may seem like a tall order for a city with strengths in finance, professional services and other traditional economic sectors. But when space missions are no longer just distant goals for the nation and the city, there is no reason not to aim higher.

It is encouraging that seven local universities have taken part in the country’s aerospace programme by supplying equipment or experimental samples. Among them is the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory, also known as the Tianyun camera, by researchers from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Already installed on the Tiangong space station, the device can pinpoint the location and intensity of emissions to provide data for carbon reduction efforts on the mainland.

With the country’s new five-year plan tasking Hong Kong to invest in the “NewSpace” industry among other initiatives, it is time for a more coordinated development approach involving the government, universities and the private sector. This can help open doors for others who want to follow Lai’s footsteps.