Pakistan will send two astronauts to China for training under a landmark space collaboration agreement, becoming the first foreign nation to join Beijing’s prestigious space station training programme.
The announcement was made by Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) Director Shafaat Ali on April 4.
Speaking to a private news outlet, Ali confirmed that the two astronauts will be selected based on merit, with eligibility criteria including PhD qualifications, aviation experience, and stringent physical standards.
The collaboration comes under an agreement signed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government, marking a historic step in Pakistan-China space ties.
“This partnership opens new avenues for advanced scientific research and strengthens the already robust strategic relationship between the two countries,” Ali said.
Until now, astronaut training in China had been limited to its own citizens. This shift, Suparco noted, reflects deepening trust and a shared vision for space exploration. Ali outlined a three-phase selection process that will conclude by 2026, with the chosen candidates expected to conduct cutting-edge scientific experiments aboard the Chinese Space Station (CSS). Research areas will include microgravity, space radiation, fluid mechanics, astronomy, and biological sciences.
Expressing gratitude to the Chinese government and Prime Minister Sharif, Ali said the initiative marks “a giant leap” for Pakistan’s space ambitions.
