China: Excitement grows in HKSAR amid speculation on first local astronaut.

The upcoming launch of China's Shenzhou-23 space mission is generating significant excitement in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), as the mission will for the very first time carry a local Hong Kong astronaut into orbit. Anticipation grew earlier this month following the release of the official Shenzhou-23 mission emblem. The design featured a distinctive 'bauhinia' flower element, which is regarded as the floral symbol of the Hong Kong SAR, sparking widespread speculation that a Hong Kong astronaut was about to realize the dream of spaceflight. Back in 2024, during the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA)'s fourth batch of astronaut selection, a local Hong Kong candidate was chosen for the first time among the ten final candidates. Public information indicates the Hong Kong representative is a female payload expert who is also a former chief inspector in the police force. People from all walks of life in Hong Kong have expressed deep pride that one of their own is participating in this historic mission and having the chance to serve the motherland's space endeavors, seeing it as recognition and trust from the country in Hong Kong's contributions to aerospace technology. Others say that China's ongoing development goals and ambitious plans in space exploration offer exciting opportunities to young people from the Hong Kong SAR. Shotlist: Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, northwest China - May 20, 2026: 1. Rocket-spaceship combination, vertical assembly test building; 2. Various of Zhang Zhixu, astronaut emergency evacuation team member, explaining rehearsal procedures to astronauts; 3. Various of astronauts, ground crew carrying out training procedures; Hong Kong, China - Recent (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland) 4. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Sze Ching-lau, member, National Committee of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC); chairman, Hong Kong Federation of Fujian Associations (partially overlaid with shots 4-6): "Hong Kong, relying on the solid advantage of having the motherland at its back, is deeply involved in the nation's major manned space projects. This fully proves that 'One Country, Two Systems' works, delivers results, and enjoys popular support." [SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]; 5. Patriotic Education Center; 6. Entrance to Hong Kong Base for Aerospace Science Education; 7. Various of rocket models on display at Hong Kong Base for Aerospace Science Education [SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]; 8. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Edward Leung Hei, honorary president, Youth Innovation Development Charity (partially overlaid with shot 9): "The nation's 15th Five-Year Plan clearly sets out the goal of building a strong space power. This has created a vast stage for Hong Kong youth to pursue the stars. We must proactively break free from conventional horizons, follow in the footsteps of astronauts with the power of youth, and devote ourselves to the cause of serving the nation through science and technology innovation." [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]; 9. Various of models on display at Hong Kong Base for Aerospace Science Education; 10. Sign reading (Chinese/English): "I Love Chinese Aerospace"; FILE: China - Date Unknown 11. Various of astronauts training in neutral buoyancy pool. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]