Scientists in Macao and Hong Kong can participate in the nation's aerospace project in the future, Zhang Jianqi, deputy commander-in-chief of China's manned space engineering program, said on Wednesday.

The Shenzhou VII manned space mission delegation, including three Chinese taikonauts who made the nation's first space walk in a concerted effort, left here on Wednesday, wrapping up their three-day visit to the Special Administrative Region (SAR).

China planned to launch its space labs between 2011 and 2017, and then the construction of a space station will be started, which is the time when Hong Kong and Macao compatriots can make contribution to the nation's aerospace project, said Zhang, also head of the delegation, at a press conference here before leaving Macao.

He said the aerospace project will benefit the economic and technological development of the country.

During the delegation's three day visit to Macao, the taikonauts trio, Zhai Zhigang, Jing Haipeng and Liu Boming, made a tour around the city and shared their space traveling experiences with the locals in a "dialogue meeting" and a welcoming show.

Zhai, who actually accomplished the task of China's maiden spacewalk, said he was impressed by the cultural diversity and uniqueness of Macao.

Liu said that he hoped one day his child can come to Macao and study here.

(Xinhua News Agency December 11, 2008)