The send-off ceremony of the eighth Young Astronaut Training Camp was held at the Hong Kong Space Museum today (July 26). Thirty selected local secondary school students will set off for Beijing on an eight-day space training programme this Friday (July 29).
    
     Speaking at the ceremony, the Acting Secretary for Home Affairs, Ms Florence Hui, noted that enthusiastic participation of the younger generation is essential for the sustainable development of aerospace science, which is progressing rapidly. The Young Astronaut Training Camp is a great opportunity to broaden students' horizons and bring about a positive influence on their learning and personal growth, she said.
 
     Other officiating guests were the Vice Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Mr Ricky Tsang; the Vice President of the Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre, Mr Kwok Ming-wa; and the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Michelle Li.
 
     This year's Young Astronaut Training Camp started recruitment in May. After three rounds of selection, which included a quiz on astronomy and space science, as well as a three-day pre-camp and an interview, 30 students out of some 160 applicants from more than 100 local secondary schools were selected to be young astronauts.
 
     The training camp will take place from July 29 to August 5. Participants will visit major space and astronomy facilities and attend lectures on space science and technology. They will also participate in astronaut training including the wearing of spacesuits, psychological training, escape and survival training and blood redistribution adaptability training. Upon completion of the training, they will undergo an examination and be presented with certificates.

     The Young Astronaut Training Camp is jointly organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the China Astronaut Research and Training Center and the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, in association with the Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre. The training camp is implemented by the Hong Kong Space Museum and sponsored by the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce.

     For details of the training camp, please visit the website of the Hong Kong Space Museum at www.yatc.hk.space.museum or call 2734 2711.

Ends/Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:10

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