One of the hottest topics in town these days is the selection of Superintendent Dr Lai Ka-ying as a national astronaut (payload expert). In fact, the Junior Police Call (JPC) has long been keeping pace with the country’s aerospace development, and led its members to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre.

Inside story: “Little Grape” also launched into space

In 2024, the JPC organised its first-ever aerospace exchange tour. Senior Inspector Fu Sze-yeung (Jason) led 18 JPC elites to Jiuquan. Jason shared, “We boldly proposed sending the Force’s anti-scam mascots ‘Little Grape’ and ‘Mini Bean’ into space along with the satellite. At first, we thought it was a pipe dream. However, as Superintendent Dr Lai Ka-ying just said, ‘Dreams are not far away’. After much coordination, the mascots were really approved for blast-off.”

Explore Wen Tiange and feel the power of rocket launch

Jason recalled that when he led the group to visit Wen Tiange, everyone was incredibly excited, “That’s the sacred site where astronauts stay and hold press conferences before their missions. Even now, I can still feel the tension and pride that Superintendent Dr Lai Ka-ying and other astronauts experienced before launching.”

Following in the astronauts’ footsteps, the most anticipated moment for the team was witnessing the historic launch of the Shijian-19 satellite from a safe distance. Jason described, “Watching the rocket pierce through the sky is something you simply can’t experience through a screen. We also visited the facilities and launch sites of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Everyone learned about how scientists worked tirelessly with extraordinary perseverance to successfully send the satellite into space. This spirit of rising to the challenge not only deeply moved us all, but also inspired everyone’s keen interest in scientific exploration.”

JPC revisited the aerospace sacred site

Riding on the wave of enthusiasm for aerospace, the Security Bureau led young leaders on another visit to Jiuquan from June 7 to 10. The JPC recommended Mak Chun-fung (Ah Fung), Leung Pui-kuen (Ah Kuen), and Wong Tsz-san (Tsz-san) to participate.

Ah Fung was deeply inspired during an expert lecture by the dedication of scientific researchers. He is determined to join the Force one day to safeguard Hong Kong. Ah Kuen found the experience of repairing the Great Wall the most unforgettable. He realised that the great achievements are built by the hard work of the predecessors. Meanwhile, Tsz-san had her “space dream” ignited. She said that she has to apply to join the Police first, “Hong Kong’s first astronaut is our Superintendent! By simply following in her footsteps, maybe one day I can reach beyond the Earth too!”

Dreams are not far away

Jason now often uses Superintendent Lai’s experience to motivate young people, “‘Dreams are not far away’! We absolutely have the power to shine brightly on the stage of life as long as we work hard to equip ourselves and do every step well.”