Triumphant Return of Eight YF Life Jr. Astronauts from their 9-Day Space-Exploration Journey

It is Possible!

12 August, 2024

The eight Jr. Astronauts of this year’s YF Life Jr. Space Camp Program have returned from their 9-day space-exploration journey, including Chan Godwin Enoch, Chow Chun Teng Aiden, Guo Mu Qian, Hui Ching Yin, Luk Sze Yu, Tam Tsz Hei, Wong Cheuk Lam Jasmine, and Wong Wan Ho. In recognition of their achievement, YF Life Insurance International Limited (YF Life), the sole sponsor and organizer of the program, held a celebration ceremony today. The event was attended by esteemed program patrons including 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 ceremony commenced with a vibrant dance performance by the Jr. Astronauts showcasing their passion for space exploration and excitement about their accomplishments. During their sharing, the eight Jr. Astronauts expressed that the journey was a life-changing experience and they had discovered the power of belief in oneself. They pledge to continue upholding the spirit of “It is Possible”, and strive for greater heights.

The 9-Day U.S. Space-Exploration Journey offered the eight Jr. Astronauts both practical as well as theoretical training courses. The first leg took place at the U.S. Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, where they 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 weightlessness in space, producing their own working scale-model rocket, and simulating exiting the spacecraft cabin to perform a mission while in orbit. The second leg of the journey took the Jr. Astronauts to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where they got a close-up view of the real Space Shuttle Atlantis. They also met with a veteran astronaut, Marcos Pontes, and learned from him more about the life of an astronaut working in space.

Ms. Phoebe Lian, CMO of YF Life said, "The YF Life Jr. Space Camp has been made possible by the unwavering support from our community. We are delighted to see the eight Jr. Astronauts embody the spirit of "It is Possible!" and successfully completed their mission. This experience will undoubtedly inspire them to overcome future challenges. Through this meaningful program, YF Life is extending our commitment to fostering the next generation and promoting life education. By providing unique and innovative experiential learning opportunities, we are helping children to pursue their space dreams and fulfilling our brand promise of '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. The Program aims to stimulate children’s interest in space exploration and advanced technology, and encourages them to live the spirit of "It is Possible!" Every year, eight outstanding children are selected as YF Life Jr. Astronauts to undergo a 9-day space exploration journey overseas, each together with one of their parents.