Pakistan’s national space agency, SUPARCO, has officially opened submissions for scientists, researchers, and students across the country to propose experiments for Pakistan’s historic human spaceflight mission to China’s space station. The call for proposals marks a significant milestone as the first Pakistani astronaut is expected to head to the Chinese Space Station (CSS) by late 2026, making this an exciting and unique opportunity for the nation’s scientific community to participate in space exploration.
SUPARCO, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, is looking for innovative and impactful research proposals that can be conducted in the CSS’s microgravity environment, which presents unique challenges such as extreme temperatures, a vacuum, and low gravity conditions. With this initiative, SUPARCO aims to involve the public in shaping the research agenda for the upcoming spaceflight, enabling them to contribute to the advancement of science and technology in Pakistan.
The space station’s environment offers exceptional opportunities for conducting experiments that are difficult or impossible to perform on Earth. Researchers are encouraged to submit proposals across a broad range of scientific disciplines, including agriculture, medicine, biotechnology, material sciences, astrophysics, and fluid dynamics. Experiments must be designed to be lightweight, cost-effective, and feasible to conduct within a week. This time frame aligns with the duration of the mission and ensures that the experiments can be executed effectively while maintaining the safety and efficiency of the astronaut’s duties on the space station.
One of the key requirements for successful proposals is alignment with the CSS’s research objectives and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SUPARCO has emphasized that the selected research should contribute to global knowledge and support initiatives that improve the well-being of humanity, address environmental issues, and foster technological innovation. As the CSS orbits Earth at an altitude of approximately 380 km, completing one orbit every 92 minutes at a speed of 7.7 km/sec, the conditions aboard the space station are ideal for cutting-edge scientific exploration.
The space station’s state-of-the-art research facilities will be available for the execution of the selected proposals, providing researchers with the chance to conduct experiments using advanced technology and equipment. The successful implementation of these experiments could not only result in significant scientific discoveries but may also lead to patents, high-impact publications, and new commercial products that could benefit industries back in Pakistan and globally.
SUPARCO’s call for proposals is open to individuals and teams from various sectors of academia and research institutions. The agency has invited applications from scientists, researchers, and students who are eager to contribute to Pakistan’s growing space capabilities. This initiative is expected to foster collaboration across Pakistan’s academic and scientific communities, inspiring the next generation of space scientists and researchers.
The deadline for submission of proposals is April 30, 2025, allowing ample time for participants to design and submit their experiments. With the mission expected to take place in late 2026, the upcoming spaceflight will serve as a stepping stone for Pakistan’s space ambitions, building on the country’s achievements in satellite technology and space research. SUPARCO’s human spaceflight mission will also bolster international collaborations and further Pakistan’s participation in global space exploration efforts.
For those interested in submitting proposals, detailed guidelines and requirements can be found on the official website of SUPARCO, where more information regarding the selection process and research priorities is provided. With the country’s first astronaut preparing for an unprecedented journey to the Chinese Space Station, this is a pivotal moment for Pakistan’s space exploration endeavors, and the call for research proposals offers an exciting avenue for the nation’s scientific community to make its mark in the world of space science.
