China, Pakistan Team Up for First Astronaut Mission

News Desk 

Beijing: China has announced plans to send a Pakistani astronaut on a short-term space mission to its Tiangong Space Station, marking a historic step in China-Pakistan cooperation in space exploration.

According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) confirmed that two Pakistani astronauts will begin training alongside Chinese counterparts, with one to be selected for a short-duration spaceflight as a payload specialist.

The move follows a landmark cooperation agreement signed earlier this year between Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and CMSA, paving the way for Pakistan’s first astronaut mission.

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Under the programme, the selected astronaut will conduct scientific experiments aboard the China Space Station (CSS) in diverse fields such as biology, medicine, physics, material sciences, ecology, and space technology. The research aims to contribute to advancements in medical studies, environmental monitoring, and microgravity science with potential benefits for life on Earth.

The selection process for Pakistan’s first astronauts began in April 2025, with training to be conducted at China’s Astronaut Centre.

Earlier this month, Pakistan and China also agreed to deepen cooperation in space sciences under their 2025–2029 Action Plan for a Closer Partnership, which includes the establishment of a Pakistan Space Centre and enhanced collaboration in astronaut training, lunar research, and deep space exploration.

The partnership is part of the 2021–2030 Space Cooperation Outline Program signed between the China National Space Administration and SUPARCO, reaffirming both nations’ commitment to long-term collaboration in advanced space technologies.

Officials said the upcoming mission will not only mark Pakistan’s first human spaceflight participation but also strengthen bilateral cooperation under the expanding China-Pakistan space partnership.