Two Pakistani astronauts to join China’s space mission
Pakistan becomes first foreign country to send crew for training at China’s space station program
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (MNTV) — Two Pakistani astronauts are set to join an upcoming space mission onboard China’s Tiangong Space Station, marking a major milestone in Pakistan’s space ambitions and its growing cooperation with China’s rapidly advancing space program.
The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) confirmed on Wednesday that Pakistan will become the first foreign country to send astronauts for training under China’s space station program.
One of the two selected astronauts will participate in a joint spaceflight as a payload specialist, conducting scientific experiments on behalf of Pakistan while assisting with routine operations aboard the space station.
The move follows a space cooperation agreement signed between Islamabad and Beijing in February.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier announced that the mission would be a joint endeavor with China, with preparations already underway.
The astronaut selection process is being carried out in three stages: initial screening in Pakistan, followed by advanced testing and final selection in China, according to CMSA spokesperson Lin Xiqiang.
Both candidates will undergo training at the Astronaut Centre of China, as part of an international collaboration effort.
To enhance the mission’s scientific value, Pakistan’s national space agency SUPARCO has invited proposals for innovative experiments to be conducted aboard the Tiangong Space Station.
China’s space program has grown rapidly over the past decade, with major accomplishments including lunar missions, Mars exploration, and the launch of the fully operational Tiangong Space Station.
It now seeks to broaden international cooperation through partnerships like the one with Pakistan.
The training and flight are expected to be completed by 2026.
Meanwhile, China has confirmed it is in discussions with other countries to expand astronaut participation in future missions.
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