Hong Kong Astronaut Lai Ga-ying Marks First Space Mid-Autumn Festival with Poetic Tribute
SingTao · 3 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong payload specialist Lai Ga-ying celebrated her first Mid-Autumn Festival aboard China's Tiangong Space Station on September 25, 2026, sharing heartfelt greetings with family and compatriots. The Shenzhou 23 crew—also including Zhu Yangzhu and Zhang Zhiyuan—sent seasonal blessings from orbit, with Lai quoting the classic line "gazing at the bright moon from the Heavenly Palace, thousands of miles share this beauty" to express longing for home. The space station has been operational since May 25, with ongoing promotional activities connecting Hong Kong and Macau youth with China's space program.
Key Points
- Hong Kong payload specialist Lai Ga-ying marked her first Mid-Autumn Festival in space, describing it as a "warm and emotionally resonant" occasion aboard the Tiangong Space Station .
- The Shenzhou 23 crew has been stationed at China's space complex since May 25, conducting scientific experiments, technical trials, extravehicular activities, and science education programs .
- Lai quoted "gazing at the bright moon from the Heavenly Palace, thousands of miles share this beauty," expressing deep longing for loved ones while admiring Earth's lights from orbit .
- Ongoing promotional activities titled "Sharing the Space Dream, Contributing to National Rejuvenation" connect Hong Kong and Macau residents, including the "Tiangong Classroom" program .
- The crew received letters, drawings, and blessings from the public, which Lai said she treasures deeply and thanked supporters for their warmth and encouragement .
Why It Matters
Lai's presence on Shenzhou 23 represents a significant milestone for Hong Kong's participation in China's space program, demonstrating how local talent contributes to national scientific achievements . The Mid-Autumn Festival greetings strengthen cultural bonds between the spacefaring crew and Hong Kong citizens, while ongoing outreach activities inspire younger generations to pursue careers in science and technology .
Lai's presence on Shenzhou 23 represents a significant milestone for Hong Kong's participation in China's space program, demonstrating how local talent contributes to national scientific achievements . The Mid-Autumn Festival greetings strengthen cultural bonds between the spacefaring crew and Hong Kong citizens, while ongoing outreach activities inspire younger generations to pursue careers in science and technology .