Source SCMP
This mission dashboard outlines the key parameters, objectives, and operational structure for Hong Kong payload specialist Lai Ka-ying during her six-month residency aboard the Tiangong Space Station as part of the Shenzhou-23 mission.
Mission Dashboard: Shenzhou-23 (Tiangong Station)
Payload Specialist: Lai Ka-ying
Project Focus: MUSICO (Tianyun Camera) Greenhouse Gas Detection
Mission Status: Active (Launched May 24, 2026)
1. Project Overview: MUSICO (Tianyun Camera)
The MUSICO (Tianyun) camera system represents a significant contribution from Hong Kong—specifically from a research team at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)—to the national space program’s emissions monitoring capabilities.
Technical Specifications & Objectives
| Feature | Description |
| Primary Technology | High-precision hyperspectral imaging for atmospheric monitoring. |
| Scientific Focus | Targeted greenhouse gas (GHG) detection, specifically CO2 and methane (CH4) concentrations. |
| Operational Goal | Providing high-resolution data to cross-reference with ground-based carbon-emissions source databases. |
| Policy Contribution | Enables precise monitoring to support national carbon-neutrality targets and regional emission reduction strategies. |
2. Six-Month Experiment Timeline
As depicted in the documentation, Lai Ka-ying’s mission is centered on transitioning Hong Kong’s role from “supporter” to “active participant” in space research.
- Month 1 (Launch & Commissioning): Orbital entry, station integration, and installation/calibration of the MUSICO probe hardware.
- Month 2–3 (Data Collection Phase): Systematic scanning of targeted geographical zones. Collaboration with Lingnan University’s carbon-emissions source database for real-time validation.
- Month 4–5 (Analysis & Maintenance): In-orbit data processing, hardware maintenance, and long-term exposure experiments (e.g., radiation biology).
- Month 6 (Reporting & Handover): Finalizing data transmission to ground control and preparing for the rotation of the station crew.
3. Daily Role Breakdown
Lai Ka-ying balances her duties between general station maintenance and her specialized role as a scientific payload expert.
Station Management (Operational Routine)
- Life Support Monitoring: Daily checks of environmental systems and atmospheric regulation.
- Logistics: Managing onboard supplies, hardware configuration, and routine housekeeping tasks.
- Communication: Participating in public engagement, such as scheduled live-chat sessions with Hong Kong residents and students.
Scientific Research (Payload Specialist Role)
- MUSICO Operations: Operating the Tianyun camera, adjusting spectroscopic parameters, and managing data downlink.
- Biological Experimentation: Managing experimental samples (e.g., nanozymes, actinomycetes, plant seeds) and radiation biology exposure devices.
- Forensic Application: Utilizing her professional background in forensic investigation to perform high-precision hardware repairs and granular data analysis.
4. Mission Milestone Tracker
- Achieved: Launch and successful docking of Shenzhou-23.
- Achieved: Successful installation of the MUSICO (Tianyun) system.
- In-Progress: Routine greenhouse gas data collection and validation.
- Pending: Completion of the 5-month biological radiation exposure experiment.
- Pending: Post-mission data integration with ground-based emission reduction policies.