The country announced today (October 2) the official launch of the recruitment of the fourth batch of astronauts and the recruitment of payload specialists in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for the first time, giving Hong Kong citizens the opportunity to participate in the National Manned Space Programme. The HKSAR Government is immensely honoured for the arrangement and expresses sincere gratitude to the country. The HKSAR Government has also officially commenced the preliminary screening, and the recruitment period will be from October 6, 2022 to October 27, 2022.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the National Manned Space Programme. The country has continued to break new ground in aerospace technologies in recent years and has taken a leading position in the global aerospace arena. Hong Kong has a solid foundation in basic scientific research, as well as a good number of scholars and experts who are well recognised both nationally and internationally. In recent years, the HKSAR Government has rendered strong support to local universities in conducting research related to aerospace technologies, in which fruitful outcomes were achieved. For example, the "Surface Sampling and Packing System" developed by a local university research team assisted "Chang'e 5" in completing the lunar sample return mission in 2020.
In September last year, Hong Kong scientific researchers and students were invited to have a real-time dialogue with three astronauts who were carrying out their mission at the Tiangong Space Station. The event received an overwhelming response from the community and served as a testimony to the care and support of the country for Hong Kong. It has also inspired many Hong Kong students to pursue their interests in aerospace. The recruitment of payload specialists in Hong Kong offers hope to many aspiring Hong Kong youths in realising their dreams in astronautical endeavours.
Payload specialists are professional scientific researchers who are mainly responsible for conducting aerospace experiments or researches, operating space laboratory equipment, and managing daily operations of space stations with other astronauts. Preliminary screening of the payload specialists recruitment will be arranged by the HKSAR Government, whereas further screening will be conducted by relevant authorities in the Mainland.
The country's requirements for candidates of payload specialists are set out in the Annex. Recruitment for preliminary screening will mainly be conducted through the following organisations:
(i) 11 local universities;
(ii) five Government research and development (R&D) centres (including Automotive Platforms and Application Systems R&D Centre, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute, Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre, and Nano and Advanced Materials Institute) and Hong Kong Productivity Council;
(iii) research institutions/ companies at the Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport; and
(iv) Government departments and the Hospital Authority.
Candidates from organisations or companies other than the above may also be considered by the HKSAR Government.
The spokesman said, "the HKSAR Government has all along been proactively nurturing more innovation and technology talents with a view to developing new blood for Hong Kong and our country to support the country's development of science and technology. The recruitment of payload specialists in Hong Kong offers a valuable opportunity for patriotic Hong Kong citizens to contribute to the development of our country and realise their dreams. We appeal to those who meet the basic requirements and are aspired for aerospace career to participate in the recruitment exercise."
For details of the preliminary screening, please refer to the thematic website of the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (www.itib.gov.hk/en/psrecruitment).
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