Hong Kong's first astronaut, Lai Ka-ying, will be using a locally developed observatory to monitor greenhouse gas emissions on Earth while aboard the Tiangong space station. The observatory's imaging equipment can identify emission sources, aiding in efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the Greater Bay Area and other parts of mainland China. Professor Li Jia from Lingnan University highlighted the significance of the data collected by the observatory in combating climate change during a statement on Saturday.

Lai Ka-ying, a payload specialist with expertise in computer data, will be part of the Shenzhou-23 team embarking on a mission from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre. The team is scheduled to dock with the space station soon. Professor Li expressed confidence in Lai's ability to operate the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory efficiently during her month-long mission. Lai's preparation and commitment to the task were evident in a recent message she sent to Li, assuring the responsible handling of the payload.

The state-of-the-art observatory, known as the world's first light, high-resolution, high-precision space-based observatory for carbon dioxide and methane measurements, was delivered to the space station earlier this month. The technology promises unparalleled accuracy in tracking and quantifying greenhouse gas emissions, offering critical insights into global climate change patterns. The collaboration between Hong Kong's research teams and Lai Ka-ying signifies a significant milestone in advancing environmental research and sustainability efforts in the region.