Lai Ka-ying, the first Chinese astronaut from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, reached the Tiangong space station with her two crewmates aboard the Shenzhou XXIII spacecraft on Monday last week.

It represents a new milestone in Hong Kong's participation in the space endeavors of the Chinese mainland.

Hong Kong boasts world-class scientific research capabilities, with top-tier universities, state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant academic environment.

For over a decade, local institutions have been integral to China's major space missions.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has provided advanced instruments, such as a Camera Pointing System for the Chang'e lunar exploration projects and a Martian landing surveillance camera for the Tianwen-1 Mars mission.

Earlier last month, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology's self-developed Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory, dubbed the "eye for space", was transported to the Tiangong space station by the Tianzhou 10 cargo vessel, becoming the first Hong Kong-built scientific payload to be deployed onboard the orbital outpost.

Looking ahead, a Hong Kong-led consortium will make a multifunctional lunar robot that will also act as a mobile charging station for the Chang'e 8 robotic lunar mission around 2029.

These collaborations not only advance China's space exploration goals but also elevate Hong Kong's research capabilities by providing access to unique space-based platforms such as Tiangong and lunar probes.

Lai's extraterrestrial journey has also ignited unprecedented enthusiasm for outer space among Hong Kong's youth. Across the city, young students gathered to watch Shenzhou XXIII's launch live, with many expressing newfound aspirations to pursue careers in science and engineering.

While China has made remarkable progress in its space endeavors, it still faces gaps in terms of international market share, global public relations and project management compared to the United States.

Here, Hong Kong's unique advantages could help. As an international financial and business hub, Hong Kong has a wealth of professionals in finance, international law and public relations.

The city's global academic networks can facilitate international collaboration, as seen in the Chang'e 8 project, where Hong Kong researchers are organizing peers from the Chinese mainland and South Africa.

By leveraging its strengths, Hong Kong can help Chinese space companies expand into global markets, enhance the international publicity of China's space activities and attract foreign investment.

That will create jobs for its residents while boosting China's competitiveness in the global space arena.

Lai's spaceflight is just the beginning. As Hong Kong continues to integrate into the country's space sector, it will not only contribute to building a space power but also find new avenues for its own economic and social development.

Leung Chun-ying, former Hong Kong chief executive and now vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, has pointed out that Hong Kong's unique advantages in financing, global networking, legal services and insurance can bolster the development of China's commercial space industry, creating diverse development opportunities for local young talent in both the liberal arts and sciences.

As Lai's message to Hong Kong's youth before embarking on her space mission said: "Dreams are never out of reach, and they do not discriminate based on background. As long as we hold our country and home close to our hearts, ... and contribute our wisdom and strength to Hong Kong and the motherland, each of us can shine with our own unique brilliance. The motherland will always stand by us."

The stars above are now within reach for Hong Kong people, and the city's journey with the motherland's space programs promises to be mutually rewarding.