Pakistan is preparing for a historic step in its space journey as two individuals will be selected this month under the Pakistan Astronaut Programme to receive astronaut training at the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). The one-year training will pave the way for the astronauts to spend a week aboard China’s Tiangong Space Station in October 2026, marking Pakistan’s first-ever human space mission and a major milestone in the country’s growing collaboration with China in space science and technology.
To support this mission, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) invited scientific experiment proposals from researchers nationwide. Out of the submissions, 300 have been shortlisted for potential inclusion in the mission. Earlier this year, Suparco signed a cooperation agreement with CMSA, establishing the foundation for Pakistan’s participation in the Chinese Space Station programme. The agreement includes comprehensive astronaut training at the Astronaut Centre of China, where one of the selected astronauts will serve as a scientific payload specialist responsible for conducting experiments in space.
The astronaut selection process, which began in April 2025, aims to identify individuals capable of supporting advanced scientific research in aerospace, biomedical science, material physics, ecology, microgravity studies, and astronomy. Suparco stated that the China Space Station is equipped with modern laboratories and external research adaptors that enable studies across several disciplines. The findings from the mission are expected to contribute to medical innovation, environmental monitoring, and technological development, benefitting research and innovation within Pakistan.
Pakistan and China have also agreed to broaden cooperation in space science and technology under the 2025–2029 Action Plan. The plan includes the establishment of a Pakistan Space Centre and enhanced collaboration in astronaut training and infrastructure development. Both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to the 2021–2030 Space Cooperation Outline, which envisions joint lunar and deep space exploration and participation in the International Lunar Research Station project. These developments reflect Pakistan’s advancing ambitions in space technology and its strengthening strategic partnership with China, setting the groundwork for long-term collaboration in scientific research and human space exploration.
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