How Lai Ka‑ying Became Hong Kong’s First Astronaut Despite the Odds

Instead of viewing those obstacles as disqualifiers, Lai approached the opportunity with a simple mindset: "Let’s give it a try." She later said that “sheer willpower” helped her get through parts of the selection process.

Surviving the Selection Process

China’s astronaut recruitment is highly competitive and physically demanding. Candidates must pass multiple rounds of medical screening, psychological evaluation, and intensive physical tests.

During training, Lai endured experiences typical of astronaut preparation, including centrifuge testing that can push the human body to its limits and even cause temporary blurred vision. Despite her history of motion sickness, she successfully completed the required evaluations and advanced through the selection stages.

Her ability to persist through these tests helped her earn a place in China’s astronaut corps.

Nearly Two Years of Intensive Training

Lai formally joined the astronaut program in August 2024 as the payload specialist representing Hong Kong.

From there, the workload intensified dramatically. According to officials from the China Manned Space Agency, she completed:

• More than 200 training subjects across multiple technical categories
• Over 1,700 hours of training covering spacecraft systems, mission operations, and scientific experiment procedures

This preparation lasted nearly two years and included both physical conditioning and specialized technical instruction for conducting experiments in orbit.

Overcoming the Language Barrier

Another challenge was language. Early in the process, Mandarin was not Lai’s primary working language. Through training and daily use within the astronaut corps, she improved significantly.

By the time the Shenzhou‑23 crew was announced, Lai spoke mostly in Mandarin during a press conference at China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center—evidence of how much she had adapted during the program.

The Historic Shenzhou‑23 Mission

Lai Ka‑ying was ultimately selected as the payload specialist for the Shenzhou‑23 mission, responsible for operating scientific experiment equipment aboard China’s Tiangong space station.

Her selection marks several milestones:

• The first astronaut from Hong Kong to join China’s national space program mission
• One of the crew members conducting scientific research in orbit

For Lai, the achievement reflects years of preparation and persistence rather than a conventional astronaut background.

The Real Lesson From Lai Ka‑ying’s Journey

Lai’s story stands out because it contradicts the idea that astronauts must start as perfect candidates. She began with clear disadvantages—physical discomfort in motion environments, a language barrier, and self‑acknowledged academic struggles.

What ultimately carried her through was consistent effort: applying despite doubts, enduring the selection process, completing hundreds of training programs, and steadily improving the skills she lacked.

In her own words, the turning point was simply deciding to try.