Pakistan shortlists two astronauts for China space mission

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (MNTV) — Pakistan has shortlisted two astronaut candidates for its Human Spaceflight Program, the military’s media wing said.

The announcement follows a cooperation agreement signed in February 2025 between Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) and the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). 

Under the pact, two Pakistanis will train in China, with one joining a mission aboard the Tiangong space station in late 2026.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the candidates were selected after medical, psychological and aptitude assessments at the Astronauts Center of China. The evaluations were conducted in line with international human spaceflight standards.

The two will now undergo six months of advanced astronaut training in Beijing. One will be chosen to participate in the mission scheduled for October or November 2026.

ISPR noted the initiative was made possible under the Astronaut Cooperation Agreement the Pakistan government signed with China. Pakistan is the first foreign partner in Beijing’s astronaut program.

CMSA spokesperson Lin Xiqiang said the selected astronaut will conduct scientific experiments on behalf of Pakistan while also performing standard crew duties aboard the Tiangong station.

China, barred from the International Space Station since 2011, has expanded its space partnerships with countries including Pakistan as part of its growing space ambitions.