China has announced plans to include a Pakistani astronaut in its upcoming short-term space missions aboard the Tiangong Space Station, marking a new chapter in bilateral cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad in space exploration. The announcement was made during a press conference by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) and reported by Xinhua, confirming that two Pakistani astronauts will undergo professional training at the Astronaut Centre of China, where one will eventually be selected for the spaceflight as a payload specialist.
This development follows a landmark agreement signed earlier this year between Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and CMSA, setting the foundation for Pakistan’s participation in China’s manned space program. The collaboration allows Pakistan to send its first astronaut to the Tiangong Space Station, officially known as the China Space Station (CSS). The selected astronaut will be trained to conduct scientific research during the mission, focusing on payload management and space-based experiments. According to CMSA, the astronaut selection process began in April 2025, with candidates evaluated on their technical expertise, medical fitness, and psychological preparedness for space conditions.
The upcoming mission is expected to include experiments in multiple scientific fields, such as biological and medical sciences, applied physics, space radiation, fluid mechanics, ecology, material sciences, microgravity research, and astronomy. China’s space station is equipped with advanced experimental racks and external adaptors, providing the necessary infrastructure for conducting interdisciplinary research in microgravity. Officials from SUPARCO noted that the data gathered from these studies could lead to practical benefits on Earth, such as advancements in environmental monitoring, materials engineering, and medical research. The collaboration also represents an important step in Pakistan’s journey to expand its capabilities in aerospace technology and scientific research through international cooperation.
In addition to astronaut training, the two countries have agreed to deepen cooperation in broader space sciences and technology development. Earlier this month, China and Pakistan finalized an Action Plan (2025–2029) aimed at strengthening their long-term space partnership. This plan includes initiatives for astronaut training, satellite collaboration, and the establishment of a Pakistan Space Centre. It builds on the existing 2021–2030 Space Cooperation Outline Program signed between the China National Space Administration and SUPARCO, which emphasizes joint work in areas like lunar and deep space exploration, as well as advanced space technology assessments.
Officials said that under this plan, Pakistan will continue to collaborate closely with China in astronaut selection, training, and mission development. The partnership not only enhances Pakistan’s access to advanced space research but also lays the groundwork for the country’s potential future involvement in human spaceflight programs. Through this initiative, Pakistan aims to strengthen its position as an emerging contributor to international space exploration while expanding scientific collaboration with China.
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