China launches Shenzhou-23 with Hong Kong's first astronaut to space station

China launched its Shenzhou-23 crewed mission to the Tiangong Space Station, carrying astronaut Lai Ka-ying, who becomes the first astronaut from Hong Kong to reach orbit, according to Al Jazeera English. The mission represents a significant symbolic milestone for Beijing's space program and its integration of Hong Kong personnel into national projects. China's crewed spaceflight program has accelerated over the past decade, positioning the country as a major spacefaring nation alongside the United States and Russia.