************************************************************
The three astronauts who carried out China's first manned space docking mission have sent a thank-you note to Hong Kong people ahead of their visit starting tomorrow (August 10).
The three astronauts will touch down in Hong Kong tomorrow morning for a four-day visit that will include the opening of an exhibition on China's space programme; meetings with students, academics, researchers and the media; and briefings on Hong Kong's development.
The message - signed by astronauts Mr Jing Haipeng, Mr Liu Wang and Ms Liu Yang - sends greetings to Hong Kong people and thanks them for their support of the country's space programme.
The delegation of the Tiangong-1/Shenzhou-9 manned space docking and rendezvous mission is visiting Hong Kong from August 10 to 13 at the invitation of the Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung.
The delegation of some 40 members will comprise leader Mr Niu Hongguang, the three astronauts and key commanders and designers of the manned space programme.
After arriving at Hong Kong International Airport tomorrow, the delegation will meet the media in the afternoon and attend a welcome dinner hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
On Saturday (August 11), the delegation will talk with secondary and primary students at the HKCEC and attend the "Hong Kong Welcomes the Delegation of Shenzhou-9 Manned Spaceflight Mission Variety Show", also at the HKCEC, with around 2,000 spectators. The variety show will also be broadcast live on TV.
On Sunday (August 12), the delegation will visit the Peak, open the "Exhibition on China's First Manned Space Docking Mission" at the Hong Kong Science Museum, and meet tertiary students at the Chinese University of Hong Kong for a discussion on the space technology of Shenzhou-9 and China's aerospace science development.
On Monday (August 13) the delegation will attend a tea gathering with the women's sector. After the tea gathering, the delegation will tour Victoria Harbour and learn about the latest harbourfront developments.
The delegation will attend a farewell ceremony at Government House on Monday afternoon before leaving for Macao from the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal.
Details of the delegation's visit programme can be found at www.hksar15.gov.hk/shenzhou9.
Ends/Thursday, August 9, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:43
NNNN
