Commissioner of Police leads JPC members to witness Force mascots launching into space with satellite (with photos)

     The six-day Beijing-Jiuquan Exchange Tour held by the Junior Police Call (JPC) concluded its main itinerary today (September 28). Eighteen JPC members started their journey on September 24. In addition to visiting a number of historical and cultural sites in Beijing, the members also visited the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Gansu Province. This not only enhanced participants' understanding of our nation’s history and popular science knowledge, it also provided opportunities for them to have a closer understanding of our country's latest technological developments and achievements.

     The Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre is an important stop of the tour. On September 27, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee, led the delegation to witness the historic moment when the mascots of the Force and the JPC were launched into space together with a satellite.

     The Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre is the birthplace of China's aerospace industry. The whole nation rejoiced after China's first satellite "Dongfanghong 1" was launched into space from the centre on April 24, 1970. Since its establishment in 1958, the centre has carried out numerous historic launch missions, witnessing the glorious history of China's aerospace development.

     The satellite launched today is named "Shijian Satellite 19”. Accompanying the satellite into space were the Police's anti-scam mascot “Little Grape” and JPC mascot "Mini Bean". The cute "Little Grape" promotes anti-scam messages, while the amicable “Mini Bean” symbolises the self-discipline and bravery of JPC members.

     This was the first time for JPC members to witness a satellite launch in Jiuquan. The space flight of "Mini Bean" symbolises the infinite possibilities of the younger generation and inspires JPC members to bravely pursue their dreams and explore the unknown.

     In addition to witnessing the satellite launch, the Commissioner also led the JPC members to visit the launch site of the LandSpace liquid oxygen-methane carrier rocket, launch tower of the Shenzhou manned spaceships, and astronaut dormitory “Wen Tiange” to learn about the daily lives and training of astronauts.

     The delegation will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (September 29).