BEIJING, CHINA: In a groundbreaking move for Pakistan’s space ambitions, China has announced plans to include a Pakistani astronaut in its upcoming short-term missions aboard the Tiangong Space Station, marking a historic first in Sino-Pak cooperation beyond Earth’s orbit.
The collaboration, confirmed by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) and SUPARCO (Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission), will see Pakistani astronauts undergo extensive training in China as part of a landmark agreement signed earlier this year. The initiative cements Pakistan’s position as the first foreign partner in China’s manned space programme, a distinction that underscores the growing depth of the two nations’ technological and strategic ties.
According to reports, CMSA will train a group of Pakistani candidates, one of whom will join a Chinese crew for a short-term mission aboard the Tiangong station. The mission is expected to include scientific experiments designed by Pakistani researchers — ranging from material sciences to biological and microgravity studies.
Experts have described the development as a “giant leap” for Pakistan’s space programme, which has long sought to move from satellite launches to manned missions. Beyond scientific cooperation, the mission also represents a new phase of bilateral engagement between Islamabad and Beijing, expanding collaboration into the frontiers of space technology and innovation.
While the project’s execution will involve complex logistics and rigorous astronaut training, both sides have expressed optimism about the mission’s success and the long-term opportunities it will create for future joint explorations.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.