Hong Kong and Macao young people got a closer look at China’s space programme on Wednesday, September 9, as they joined astronauts aboard the Tiangong Space Station for a special science class.

Held at Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College, the “Tiangong Class” Hong Kong and Macao Designated Session brought together more than 200 students, teachers, researchers and technology professionals for live demonstrations and interactive discussions with the Shenzhou-23 crew.

The astronauts introduced life and work aboard the space station, including its research facilities and space kitchen, and demonstrated how everyday experiments behave in microgravity.

Hong Kong’s first payload expert, Dr Lai Ka-ying, also explained the operation of the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory, developed by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to monitor global greenhouse gases.

Chief Executive John Lee said the session offered young people a chance to experience the country’s advances in manned space development and encouraged them to pursue their own dreams in science and technology.