The realisation of China's dream to conquer space is tremendous encouragement to Hong Kong people to push on against all odds and to scale new heights.

This was the message from Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa today, officiating at the opening of the Exhibition on China's First Manned Space Mission at the Science Museum with astronaut Yang Liwei.

On show: Astronaut Yang Liwei and Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa open the Exhibition on China's First Manned Space Mission at the Science Museum; the Shenzhou V spacecraft re-entry capsule and landing parachute; the astronaut's spacesuit.

Mr Tung said the success of the space programme has also fully demonstrated the wisdom, efforts and selfless devotion of our first-class aerospace professionals and their determination to fly high.

"This same spirit is propelling our country towards greater prosperity and strength on the road to national revival," he said.

Running from 10.30am today until 3pm on Tuesday, the exhibition features the Chinese manned space programme, the Shenzhou V spacecraft and the training of astronauts.

The public can view the spacecraft's re-entry capsule, the landing parachute, the spacesuit, samples of meals given to astronauts in space and rockets and spacecraft models.

Visitors can also enter a lucky draw with their admission tickets to win an exhibition poster autographed by Yang Liwei.