HONG KONG - The three astronauts in China's first manned space docking mission have sent a thank-you note to Hong Kong ahead of their four-day visit starting Friday, according to the city's government news website Thursday.

The message, signed by Shenzhou IX astronauts Jing Haipeng, Liu Wang and Liu Yang, sends greetings to Hong Kong people and thanks them for their support for the country's space program.

The 40-member delegation also includes the key commanders and planners of the space program.

The delegation will meet the media Friday afternoon and attend a welcome dinner hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

They will talk with secondary and primary students on Saturday and attend the "Hong Kong Welcomes the Delegation of Shenzhou IX Manned Spaceflight Mission Variety Show" with around 2,000 spectators. ?

On Sunday, the delegation will visit the Peak, open the " Exhibition on China's First Manned Space Docking Mission" at the Hong Kong Science Museum, and meet tertiary students at the Chinese University of Hong Kong for a discussion on the space technology of Shenzhou IX and China's aerospace science development.

They will also attend a tea gathering with the women's sector on Monday and will then tour Victoria Harbor and learn about the latest harbor front development.

The delegation will attend a farewell ceremony at the government house Monday afternoon before leaving for Macao.