Lai Ka-ying’s selection as Hong Kong’s first astronaut has sparked a more than threefold surge in aerospace and satellite-design course inquiries at a learning centre, while industry leaders have called for sites to be refitted as immersive education facilities.
Lai, a police superintendent who has also become China’s first female payload specialist, made her historic journey into space on Sunday with the launch of the Shenzhou-23 mission.
Jeffrey Ho, CEO of Star Club Scientist Education, said that after the country announced the selection of Hong Kong’s first astronaut, interest from schools and parents in aerospace science education surged dramatically.
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His centre offers courses specialising in aerospace popular science, satellite design and microsatellite assembly or application. They are intended for youngsters aged three to 17, with hourly class fees ranging from about HK$300 (US$38) to HK$650.
“Frontline data shows an explosive increase in inquiries related to aerospace and satellite design courses,” Ho said. “Compared with the previous stable level of about 10 inquiries per day on average, the figure has risen by more than threefold.”
Chan Wing-ping, general manager for the Hong Kong region of Starlink Aerospace Holdings (Shenzhen), the standing director unit of the Council of China Aerospace, said Hong Kong lacked large-scale tourism attractions and professional educational venues that focused on the country’s aerospace technology.