Mission Accomplished: 2025 YF Life Jr. Space Camp Program Concludes with Successful Return of Jr. Astronauts from U.S.

August 11, 2025

YF Life Insurance International Ltd. (YF Life) today proudly hosted a grand celebratory luncheon to welcome the 8 Jr. Astronauts back to Hong Kong. The event marked the successful completion of their 9-day U.S. Space-Exploration Journey, a highlight of the "YF Life Jr. Space Camp Program".

The luncheon was graced by distinguished guests and celebrities who joined in honoring the young participants’ remarkable achievements and personal growth. Attendees included Prof. Chan Chi Hou, Vice-President (Community Engagement) at City University of Hong Kong; Ir. Dr. Raymond Ho Chung-tai, Hong Kong Deputy to the 10th and 11th National People’s Congress of the PRC; Prof. Simon S.M. Ho, President of The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong; Mr. J. P. Lee, Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce - Hong Kong; Mr. Peter Lui Kin-chuen, President of the Hong Kong Aerospace Society, and Mrs. Mak Ho Siu-kuen, an Occupational Therapist & Senior Child Development Consultant.

The celebration commenced with an energetic taekwondo performance by the Jr. astronauts. Their blend of martial arts movements with lively dance elements, precise stances, and synchronized routine earned enthusiastic applause. Radiant smiles reflected their immense pride and accomplishment, symbolizing their readiness to push boundaries and embrace life’s challenges with unwavering optimism. During the subsequent sharing session, they spoke with awe about their space exploration experiences, emphasizing how the adventure widely brought the Program’s motto, “It is Possible!” to life, showing them that with dreams and bravery, even the impossible becomes achievable.

The 8 Jr. Astronauts embarked on an unforgettable 9-day journey across U.S. They participated in intensive simulated astronaut training at the Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. Their hands-on experiences included 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. They later visited the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where they got a close look at the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and engaged with a veteran astronaut, William Surles McArthur, in person to gain insights into daily astronaut life in space and the development of aerospace science and technology. Mr. McArthur shared that his longest single mission was a nearly 190-day stay aboard the International Space Station, during which he experienced back muscle soreness due to muscle density loss.

Beyond broadening their horizons, this remarkable experience ignited a spark of adventure and exploration in them.

Ms. Phoebe Lian, Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President at YF Life, said, "We extend our deepest gratitude for the unwavering support from all sectors of society for the YF Life Jr. Space Camp Program over the decades. It is truly an honor to witness these Jr. Astronauts taking their first monumental steps toward the stars. This program is far more than just a learning opportunity. It serves as a transformative milestone in their lives. We hope will sow the seeds of boundless curiosity, awaken their inner explorers, and empower them to become game-changers in the future. This aspiration perfectly encapsulates the essence of our theme this year: ‘Dreams are Far away. Let’s go even further with us!’ "

Established in 1999, the YF Life Jr. Space Camp Program, solely sponsored and organized by YF Life, is the first program in Hong Kong and Macau offering children simulated astronaut training. The program has consistently garnered strong support from all sectors of society. Through its innovative and unique training methods, the Program aims to

• Enhance children’s interest in space exploration and advanced technology
• Cultivate a spirit of perseverance and courage to break through personal limitations 
• Inspire them to embody the “It is Possible!” spirit

The selection process culminates in the appointment of eight finalists as YF Life Jr. Astronauts.Each of these 8 individuals, accompanied with a parent, embark on a 9-day U.S. Space-Exploration Journey in summer.