China to include a Pakistani astronaut in future short term space missions

In a landmark step for Pakistan’s space ambitions, China has announced plans to include a Pakistani astronaut in an upcoming short term mission aboard its Tiangong Space Station. This move marks the first time a Pakistani will travel to space, highlighting growing cooperation between the two nations in science and technology.

According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, the selected Pakistani astronaut will train alongside Chinese counterparts under the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) program. 

CMSA officials confirmed during a press conference that two Pakistani candidates will receive astronaut training, with one ultimately chosen to join a short duration mission as a payload specialist.

Earlier this year, Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and CMSA formalized this collaboration through an agreement paving the way for the nation’s first astronaut to visit the Chinese Space Station (CSS).

Under this arrangement, the two astronauts will undergo specialized training at China’s Astronaut Centre, focusing on space science and research skills required for operations aboard the CSS.

The selected astronaut will conduct a range of scientific experiments in fields such as biomedical research, aerospace technology, applied physics, material science, microgravity studies, and astronomy.

Equipped with advanced laboratories and external adaptors, the Tiangong Space Station will enable comprehensive research that could enhance knowledge in medical innovation, environmental monitoring, and space engineering, benefiting both space and Earth based applications.

This development follows a recent agreement between Pakistan and China to deepen cooperation in space sciences and astronaut training under a five-year Action Plan (2025–2029). 

The plan includes the establishment of a Pakistan Space Centre and strengthens collaboration under the 2021–2030 Space Cooperation Outline Program between SUPARCO and the China National Space Administration.

Both countries have also reiterated their commitment to joint lunar and deep-space exploration, including participation in the International Lunar Research Station initiative. 

The framework for joint astronaut selection and training is expected to lay the groundwork for Pakistan’s eventual role in future human spaceflight missions alongside China.