Pakistan becomes first foreign country to join China’s space training program: SUPARCO

In a historic move, Pakistan is set to become the first foreign country to send astronauts for training at China’s space station, marking a major breakthrough in the nation’s space exploration ambitions.

Director of the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), Shafaat Ali, announced on Friday that two astronauts will be selected on merit to undergo extensive training in China under a bilateral agreement signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s tenure.

Speaking to a private news channel, Ali explained that the astronaut candidates will be chosen through a rigorous three-stage process, focusing on merit-based criteria such as academic qualifications, professional experience, and physical fitness.

Eligible applicants may include PhD scholars, experienced pilots, and qualified graduates who meet specific requirements.

He noted that China had previously limited its astronaut training exclusively to its own citizens, making this development a landmark moment in Pakistan-China space cooperation and a testament to their growing strategic partnership.

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Ali added that the final selection of Pakistani astronauts will be completed by 2026.

The selected astronauts will participate in advanced scientific experiments aboard the China Space Station (CSS), spanning disciplines such as biomedical science, aerospace technology, fluid mechanics, space radiation, material sciences, ecology, and astronomy.

Expressing gratitude, the SUPARCO director praised the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the support of the Chinese government for facilitating this opportunity, describing it as a "giant leap" for Pakistan’s scientific and technological progress.