In a historic achievement for Pakistan, the country has become the first foreign nation to participate in China’s prestigious space station astronaut training program.
The announcement, made by Shafaat Ali, Director of the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s space exploration efforts.
As part of an agreement with China, two Pakistani astronauts will undergo rigorous training, strengthening the growing partnership between the two nations in space technology and scientific collaboration.
On February 28, 2025, Pakistan signed an agreement in Islamabad with China’s space agency, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), to send two Pakistani astronauts for specialized training. The astronauts will undergo rigorous preparation at the Chinese Astronaut Training Centre.
The initiative is particularly notable because, until now, China’s space station (CSS) has exclusively hosted Chinese astronauts. With this new agreement, however, Pakistan’s participation signals a deepening of the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
SUPARCO Director Shafaat Ali explained that the astronauts will be selected based on merit, with candidates chosen from a pool of highly qualified individuals, including PhD holders, experienced pilots, and graduates who meet strict physical and mental criteria. Ali emphasized that the astronaut selection process is both competitive and thorough, consisting of three distinct stages to ensure the best candidates are chosen.
The final selection will be completed by 2026, and the astronauts will undergo a year of intense training before embarking on their mission to China’s Tiangong space station.
Tiangong space station
The Tiangong space station, often hailed as the crown jewel of China’s space program, is operated by rotating teams of three astronauts every six months. China’s space program, which was the third in the world to send humans into orbit, has also achieved remarkable feats, including landing robotic rovers on both Mars and the Moon.
With its eyes set on the future, Beijing plans to launch a crewed mission to the Moon by 2030, aiming to establish a permanent base on the lunar surface. The Tiangong (Heavenly Palace) station typically accommodates three astronauts, but can host up to six during crew changes.
Astronaut Selection Process
The selection of Pakistan’s astronauts will be carried out with an eye for excellence in both academic and physical qualifications.
According to Dr. Muhammad Farooq, the candidates will primarily be selected from experienced pilots and scientists. Eligible individuals will need to meet specific requirements, including an age range of 30 to 45 years, ideal height and weight standards, normal vision, and a strong physical and mental fitness level. Only male candidates will be considered for this mission, and they will be expected to undergo grueling training to adjust to the unique conditions of space travel.
Farooq emphasized that the astronauts’ primary mission will involve conducting a series of high-level scientific experiments in various fields, such as biological and medical sciences, aerospace, fluid mechanics, space radiation, ecology, and more. These experiments are expected to contribute significantly to scientific advancements in microgravity research and space technology.
Pakistan and China space collaboration
The partnership between Pakistan and China in space exploration is not only a technical collaboration but also a testament to the growing strategic relationship between the two countries. Shafaat Ali expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government and Prime Minister Sharif for facilitating this remarkable opportunity, underscoring that the mission represents a giant leap for Pakistan in the field of space science.
As part of this initiative, SUPARCO plans to involve the broader Pakistani public, including students and other members of society, in proposing experiments to be conducted aboard the China Space Station. This initiative aims to foster a greater interest in space research and inspire the next generation of Pakistani scientists.
This agreement highlights the growing importance of space diplomacy and the potential for international collaboration in the exploration of outer space. With the Chinese space station now opening its doors to astronauts from around the world, the possibilities for future cooperation and scientific discovery are limitless.
Key highlights of Pakistan-China space partnership
- China and Pakistan share a long history of cooperation in the aerospace sector, with personnel from both countries having worked closely together.
- Their collaboration has laid a strong foundation for successful partnerships in various aerospace projects.
- Pakistan’s first indigenously developed digital communications satellite, Badr-1, was launched into low Earth orbit on July 16, 1990, aboard a Chinese Long March 2E rocket.
- On May 3, 2024, the Chang’e-6 probe was launched from Hainan, China, carrying Pakistan’s CubeSat, which helped Pakistan achieve its first satellite lunar flyby.
- China has previously launched multiple Pakistani satellites, including one sent into lunar orbit during the Chang’e-6 mission to the far side of the moon.
- In January 2025, China launched Pakistan’s first home-made observation satellite EO-1 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
- China is also planning to take a Pakistani lunar rover to the moon as part of the upcoming 2028 Chang’e-8 mission.
The collaboration between SUPARCO and CMSA is expected to lead to further advancements in space exploration, with potential long-term benefits for Pakistan’s technological and scientific development. By participating in China’s space station program, Pakistan is positioning itself at the forefront of space research in Asia and the Middle East.
The mission will not only enhance Pakistan’s capabilities in space science but also strengthen its ties with one of the world’s most ambitious space-faring nations.