Pakistan Astronaut Set to Join China’s Space Missions Soon

China has announced plans to include Pakistani astronauts in its space missions, with one astronaut set to participate in short-term missions aboard the Chinese Space Station (CSS). This collaboration comes after a cooperation agreement between Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) and China’s Manned Space Agency (CMSA), which was signed earlier this year.

According to the state-run Xinhua news agency, two Pakistani astronauts will undergo intensive training alongside Chinese astronauts at the Astronaut Centre of China. One of the astronauts will be selected for a short-duration spaceflight mission as a payload specialist.

The collaboration follows the recent agreement that set the stage for Pakistan’s first astronauts to join China’s space endeavors. As part of the mission, the selected Pakistani astronaut will conduct a series of specialized scientific experiments in fields such as biological and medical sciences, aerospace, applied physics, fluid mechanics, space radiation, material sciences, microgravity studies, and astronomy. These experiments will be conducted aboard the CSS, which is equipped with cutting-edge experimental racks and external adaptors for multi-domain research.

“One selected astronaut shall be trained as a scientific payload specialist, preparing for specialised research aboard the CSS,” the statement from the China Manned Space Agency added.

The findings from these experiments are expected to yield significant advancements in fields such as medical research, environmental monitoring, and space technology, potentially benefiting life on Earth.

Earlier this month, Pakistan and China agreed to enhance cooperation in space sciences, including astronaut training and the establishment of a Pakistan Space Centre. This collaboration is part of their five-year action plan (2025–2029) aimed at strengthening ties in space exploration.

The space cooperation agreement also emphasizes joint work on lunar and deep space exploration, with a focus on multilevel assessments of the International Lunar Research Station and expanding collaboration in advanced space technologies. The two countries have committed to the joint selection and training of astronauts, with the goal of eventually involving Pakistan in human spaceflight missions with China.

This initiative marks a major step forward in Pakistan’s space exploration ambitions and fosters deeper ties with China in space-related technologies and research.