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China's space programme

China's space programme
The China National Space Administration was founded more than 25 years ago and is overseeing an ambitious programme which includes deep space exploration, a manned space station, and cutting-edge advancements in technology, new materials, robotics and artificial intelligence.
A rocket carrying China’s Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceship launches from a satellite launch centre in Gansu province on May 24. Photo: Kyodo
Space

Opinion | US-China rivalry is making Asia’s space economy more confrontational

Outer space is growing beyond a scientific frontier to become a forum for contests over sovereignty and economic security.

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Hong Kong science and tech

Hong Kong may host Shenzhou-23 crew in 2027, including astronaut Lai Ka-ying

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Science

Editorial | One small step, one giant leap for Hong Kong’s space economy

Hong Kong society

Beijing hails Hong Kong astronaut’s selection as result of ‘one country, two systems’

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs says space mission will inspire more young people in Hong Kong to support country’s technological development.

Hong Kong astronaut Lai Ka-ying has also made history as China’s first female payload specialist. Photo: AP
Hong Kong science and tech

How Hong Kong’s first astronaut triggered a space education race

Lai Ka-ying’s selection spurs interest in aerospace and satellite-design courses at centre, as industry leaders call for blueprint.

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China’s Communist Party

China says jailed aerospace engineer was lured into spying for foreign agency

State media says accused received US$88,000 after he ‘fell step by step into the trap laid’ by an unidentified spy organisation.

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Hong Kong society

Hong Kong’s first astronaut has done city proud but now what else is needed?

Steps needed to turn short-term excitement surrounding Lai’s Shenzhou-23 mission into long-term talent pipeline, academic says.

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Lai Ka-ying (centre) with fellow astronauts Zhu Yangzhu (left) and Zhang Zhiyuan train ahead of their mission. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong society

Leaving family hardest part of Lai Ka-ying’s space mission, sister says

Elder sister Lai Ka-man says she is most looking forward to family union when astronaut returns so they can enjoy egg waffles together.

Hong Kong society

Editorial | Hong Kong’s first astronaut Lai Ka-ying a role model for young people

The Shenzhou-23 mission is a message to the next generation that space is within reach and that all Hongkongers belong in the orbit of scientific endeavour.

Science

China merges space programmes as race to the moon with US heats up

The country releases further details about how it is ‘combining experiences and expertise’ from its crewed and uncrewed lunar missions.

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Pictures of the moon’s surface taken by the Chang’e-6 probe in 2024. Photo: EPA-EFE
Hong Kong society

Cheers, pride as Hong Kong’s first astronaut heads off on mission

Hongkongers celebrate as trailblazer Lai Ka-ying heads to Tiangong space station in Shenzhou-23 spacecraft.

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About 50 people gathered at an HKU dorm to watch the broadcast of the launch. Photo: Dickson Lee
Hong Kong society

‘We are very proud,’ John Lee tells first Hong Kong astronaut ahead of space flight

‘Your participation in this mission shows our country’s recognition of you,’ city leader says in video call to Lai Ka-ying.

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Hong Kong society

‘Let’s give it a try’: motion sickness no barrier for Hong Kong’s first astronaut

Lai Ka-ying says sheer willpower helped her pass parts of the gruelling selection process for China’s Shenzhou-23 mission.

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong’s astronaut to gather data using observatory developed by local teams

Payload specialist Lai Ka-ying will collect data on greenhouse gas emissions using imaging equipment that is being hailed as world first.

Professor Nancy Ip, president of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, speaks at an event unveiling the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong society

‘Chase your dreams’, Hong Kong’s first astronaut tells city’s young people

City leader congratulates Lai Ka-ying as I&T chief prepares to lead delegation to join send-off ceremony for Sunday’s Shenzhou-23 mission launch.

Lai Ka-ying at the press conference held at Wentian Pavilion in China’s Dongfeng Aerospace City in Gansu province on Saturday. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong society

Lai Ka-ying is Hong Kong’s first astronaut. Her mentor saw her talent years ago

Lai is meticulous and skilled in explaining complex ideas to others, says academic who guided her through her postgraduate studies.

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US-China tech war

A cloud above the clouds: US, China jockey for position in computing space race

China could be a leading player in the new technological battlefield, but the US has a substantial lead in essential tools such as reusable rockets.

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Trending in China

China ‘Madman of Science’ says budget space travel viable after low-cost launch

Risk-taking inventor who suffered horrific injuries in explosion and built his own ‘secret’ laboratory is shooting for the stars.

Lu Yulong, known as China’s “Madman of Science,” began chemistry experiments at the age of nine and started a space tech company at 17. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin/sztv.com.cn
US-China relations

US lawmakers warn China is top space rival as race to the moon intensifies

Beijing is using space for ‘diplomacy and influence’, US lawmakers claim amid growing competition with Washington.

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Banking & finance

Default in our stars: China banks use satellites to track assets, cut loan risks

Analysts say orbital monitoring of sites, property and other assets provides vital data on borrowers.

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Science

Can Chinese scientists bring Nasa’s ‘space spider’ dream to life?

Shenyang team focuses on how to produce strong structural parts efficiently, and how to connect them reliably.

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Astronauts have been bolting together pre-built space modules since the 1980s. Engineers now seek to fabricate components directly in orbit. Photo: CCTV
Science

China names 2 Pakistani astronauts chosen to train for space station mission

Partnership shows Beijing’s attitude to ‘sharing the fruit of its space development’ with international community, state media says.

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Two Pakistani astronauts have been chosen to train for a Chinese space mission, with one expected to serve as the first foreign astronaut to enter the Tiangong space station. Photo: Xinhua
Science

Is China about to launch a rocket from South China Sea international waters?

Methane risks, sonic boom and rocket debris make the open ocean an attractive option for increasing launch traffic.

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Space

Editorial | New space race should be recognised as a marathon, not a sprint

In lieu of cooperation, perhaps friendly competition between the spacefaring superpowers can ensure exploration benefits humankind.

China technology

China’s GPS rival, BeiDou, dominates at home. Now, it aims to convert the world

China is overhauling its home-grown satellite navigation system as part of a push to expand the network’s global influence.

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A display shows the design of the BeiDou satellite navigation system in eastern China’s Shandong province. Photo: Getty Images
United States

Nasa’s Artemis astronauts zoom towards moon after fixing toilet malfunction

After troubleshooting minor technical glitches, the four-person crew leave Earth’s orbit for a journey further into deep space than ever before.

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The Artemis II crew, from left, Canadian astronaut and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen, Commander Reid Wiseman, mission specialist Christina Koch and pilot Victor Glover. Photo: Nasa via AP
IPO

Countdown starts for Chinese rocket maker CAS Space’s Shanghai listing

China’s commercial rocket champion plans to raise US$600 million on the Star Market after its listing application is accepted.

Space

Video | Historic Artemis II moon mission lifts off

After repeated setbacks, US space agency Nasa is sending 4 astronauts around the moon and further from Earth than ever before.

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