The Young Astronaut Training Camp 2023 will be open for nominations from local secondary schools from May 1 to 31, the Leisure & Cultural Services Department announced today.

Selected participants will experience astronaut training on the Mainland in an eight-day training camp to be held from late July to early August, free of charge, to learn about space science, astronomy and China’s aerospace achievements.

The itinerary includes visiting major aerospace and astronomical facilities such as Beijing Aerospace City, Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center and Xinglong Station of the National Astronomical Observatories. In addition, participants will be able to meet aerospace experts and astronauts, and attend lectures on space science and aerospace technology. Other astronaut training activities include donning and doffing spacesuits, a space kitchen, psychological training and blood-redistribution adaptability training.

Upon completion of the activities, they will take an examination and be presented with certificates.

There will be 30 quotas for the training camp. Candidates should be full-time students studying in Secondary 2 to 6 in the 2022-23 academic year, aged 12 or above and be nominated by their respective schools. Each school can nominate up to two students.

There will be three rounds of selection comprising a quiz, a pre-tour training camp and an interview. Candidates who achieve an outstanding performance will be selected to join the camp, the department noted.