HK, Macao astronauts complete training for debut spaceflight

Two astronauts selected from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions have completed a series of classes and field trainings to prepare for their debut flight, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

Zhang Jingbo, a spokesman for the agency, said at a news conference on Thursday at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, that since starting their training at the Astronaut Center of China, located in a northwestern suburb of Beijing, the two new astronauts have quickly integrated into the team, with all of their training programs progressing smoothly.

"At present, they have completed theoretical courses about spaceflight knowledge and have taken basic training in physical fitness, psychology and adaptation to the space environment as per schedule. During this period, they have also accomplished challenging training operations such as desert survival and launch-site emergency evacuation drills. They are now undergoing professional technical training related to space missions," Zhang said.

He said their professional skills have been improving steadily, and their physical and psychological qualities, such as pressure resistance, have significantly enhanced.

"Both of them are in good state. In the next phase, we will arrange for them to undergo intensive training to ensure they meet all spaceflight requirements. We look forward to their debut missions," the spokesman said.

China began selecting its fourth generation of astronauts in October 2022 and announced the completion of the process in June last year. Ten astronauts were chosen: eight spacecraft pilots and two science payload specialists.

Both payload specialists were selected from Hong Kong and Macao, marking the first time that residents from the two regions have joined the nation's astronaut team.

On another development, Zhang said that the initial round of selection of Pakistani astronauts is now underway in the Islamic republic while the second and final rounds will take place in China.

After the selection work, two Pakistani astronauts will receive training in China and one of them will fly with Chinese astronauts to the Tiangong station and work there for a short period of time as a mission payload specialist, he added.

The China Manned Space Agency and Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission signed an agreement in Islamabad in February, opening bilateral cooperation to select and train Pakistani astronauts and then send one of them to the Tiangong space station.

In addition to Pakistan, other countries have also reached out to China to ask for opportunities for their nationals to partake in missions onboard the Tiangong, Chinese space officials have said.