This development follows a major cooperation agreement signed in February 2025. Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) collaborated with the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) to make this mission possible.
Rigorous selection process
The road to selection was demanding. Initially, candidates passed a screening process in Pakistan. They then traveled to the Astronauts Center of China (ACC) for the secondary phase.
There they underwent extensive assessments. These include medical, psychological and aptitude testing. The ISPR confirmed that these assessments strictly complied with international standards for human spaceflight. Now the secondary selection phase is officially complete.
Timeline for space training and launch
The journey is far from over. Under the bilateral agreement, both shortlisted candidates will undergo six months of ‘advanced astronaut training’ at the ACC. However, only one will make it to the final version for launch.
The selected astronaut will participate in a mission to the Tiangong Space Station in October or November 2026.
CMSA spokesperson Lin Xiqiang confirmed the role of the astronaut. The individual will serve as a payload specialist. Their duties include conducting scientific experiments on behalf of Pakistan and performing standard crew duties on board the station.
A historic partnership
This initiative marks an important diplomatic milestone. China has chosen Pakistan as its first foreign partner for its astronaut program. This cooperation is crucial for Beijing, as the US has denied China access to the International Space Station since 2011.
The ISPR emphasized that the 2025 “Astronaut Cooperation Agreement” was signed under the leadership of the Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif. His support was instrumental in securing Pakistan’s participation in this historic human spaceflight mission.
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