HKSAR chief executive congratulates successful launch of Shenzhou-23

Hong Kog Chief Executive John Lee, on Sunday night warmly extended his congratulations on the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceship and paid his solemn tribute and sent his best wishes to the crew members.



The crew members include the first payload expert from the Hong Kong, Lai Ka-ying , Hong Kong's first astronaut to join a national space mission.



The Long March-2F carrier rocket carrying the Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceship was launched at 11:08 p.m. from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.



The spaceship was then successfully separated from the rocket and entered its designated orbit.



"This mission is of great significance, as it is not only the first manned spaceflight mission during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, but also the first time for a payload expert from the Hong Kong to participate in it. All citizens of Hong Kong are thrilled and proud," Lee said.



The chief executive said that with the strong support of the country, Hong Kong can transform from a "supporter" of the country's great aerospace endeavors into an "executor."