The launch of Shenzhou-23, carrying Hong Kong’s first astronaut Lai Ka-ying to the Tiangong space station, is more than a technical milestone; it is a turning point for the city that has transformed Lai overnight into a landmark role model. Her selection and rigorous preparation – 1,700 training hours and a demanding flight qualification assessment – mark Hong Kong’s active participation in China’s expanding human space-flight programme. For young people in the city, that defines the horizon of possibility. In Lai’s words, the space dream is “not that distant”.A Hong Kong police superintendent and mother of three, with a doctorate…