Eight YF Life Jr. Astronauts Successfully Complete their 9-Day Space-Exploration Journey It is Possible!

14 August, 2023

The eight YF Life Jr. Astronauts—Kenise Hui, Yanson Lai, Chloe Leung, Shawn Lun, Tasha Todd, Aden Wong, Adrian Woo, and Kevin Wu—have triumphantly completed their "9-Day U.S. Space-Exploration Journey," after successfully undergoing simulated astronaut training at the U.S. Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, and visiting the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Sole sponsor and organizer, YF Life Insurance International Limited (YF Life), held a celebration ceremony today to honor the returning Jr. Astronauts on the completion of their mission. Program patrons in attendance included Ms. Candy Chea Shuk-mui, Ten Outstanding Young Persons Awardee and Media Veteran; Ir. Dr. Raymond Ho Chung-tai, Hong Kong Deputy to the 10th and 11th National People’s Congress of the PRC; Mr. J. P. Lee, Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce -- Hong Kong; and Prof. Simon S.M. Ho, President of The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong.

The eight Jr. Astronauts staged a dazzling electro-optical dance performance as the curtain raiser to the ceremony, displaying their excitement on completing the challenging space mission and conveying their total enthusiasm for the path of pursuing dreams. They emphatically demonstrated that participating in the "'YF Life Jr. Space Camp Program'" not only broadened their horizons but also inspired them that, with a steadfast belief in "It is Possible!", then anything is achievable.

The 9-Day U.S. Space-Exploration Journey offered the eight Jr. Astronauts practical as well as theoretical training courses, deepening their knowledge of advanced aerospace technology. The first stop was at the U.S. Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, where the Jr. astronauts underwent various challenging trainings, including experiencing what it felt like to walk on the moon under 1/6 gravity, simulating piloting a full-scale spacecraft at blast-off, being strapped into a multi-axis trainer to experience the state of weightlessness in space, and simulating exiting the spacecraft cabin to perform a mission while in orbit. The second stop was at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where the Jr. Astronauts got the first-hand view of a space shuttle blasting off and heading into earth orbit, and a close-up view of the real Saturn V rocket and the Space Shuttle Atlantis, both of which marked important milestones in space exploration. They also met a real-life astronaut, Marcos Pontes, in person and learned from him more about the life of real astronauts working in space.

Mr. Victor Yip, CEO of YF Life said, "We have to thank all the patrons, judges, schools, parents, and children for their continued support for the ‘YF Life Jr. Space Camp Program’. The eight Jr. Astronauts demonstrated the spirit of "It is Possible!" as they faced challenges and successfully completed their mission during the space exploration journey. It is hoped that this unforgettable experience will serve as a driving force for them to pursue their goals and dreams in the future, empowering them to confidently embrace every challenge in life and to 'Own the future'."

Pioneered in 1999, the YF Life Jr. Space Camp was the first-ever program providing simulated astronaut training to children from Hong Kong and Macau. This meaningful program has received staunch support from university presidents and community celebrities. It has also enjoyed tremendous acclaim from schools, children and parents. Through innovative and unique training experiences, the Program stimulates children’s interest in space exploration and advanced technology, and encourages them to live the spirit of "It is Possible!" The candidates have to undergo a three-round selection procedure that assesses their creativity, space knowledge, physical fitness, presentation skills, and self-confidence. Every year, eight outstanding children are appointed as YF Life Jr. Astronauts to undergo a 9-day space exploration journey overseas, each together with one of their parents.