Pakistan announced to Send First Astronaut to China’s Space Station

Report by Furqan Mughal

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has announced that Pakistan will soon send its first astronaut to China’s Space Station (CSS) in collaboration with China’s Manned Space Agency (CMSA). This milestone marks a historic moment for the country’s space ambitions, enhancing scientific research, technological innovation, and international cooperation.

During a ceremony in Islamabad, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and CMSA formalized an agreement for astronaut training and mission execution. Under this collaboration:

• Two Pakistani astronauts will receive training at China’s Astronaut Center.
• One astronaut will be selected as a scientific payload specialist, responsible for conducting advanced research aboard the CSS.
• The selection process will conclude by 2026, with the astronaut expected to fly in a scheduled mission.

Pakistan’s first astronaut aboard the China Space Station will conduct cutting-edge experiments in multiple scientific fields, including:

• Biological and medical sciences
• Aerospace research and microgravity studies
• Applied physics and material sciences
• Space radiation, ecology, and astronomy

These studies aim to enhance Pakistan’s technological capabilities while contributing to global space exploration initiatives.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded China’s unwavering support, emphasizing how this partnership aligns with Pakistan’s vision for scientific progress. He credited Chinese President Xi Jinping for fostering deep bilateral cooperation, particularly under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has significantly transformed Pakistan’s infrastructure and technology sectors.

Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal termed the agreement a milestone in Pakistan’s space journey, highlighting its role in capacity building, research, and human spaceflight expansion. He reiterated Pakistan’s long-term commitment to developing indigenous space capabilities.

Chairman SUPARCO, Mohammad Yousaf Khan, encouraged young professionals and researchers to actively participate in Pakistan’s space program, fostering innovation and skill development in the country’s growing space sector.

Dr. Lin Xinqiang, Director General of CMSA, reaffirmed China’s commitment to international space partnerships, describing Pakistan’s participation as a symbol of strong diplomatic and scientific ties. He emphasized that knowledge-sharing and peaceful space exploration would benefit humanity as a whole.

With this agreement, Pakistan joins the ranks of nations with a presence in human spaceflight programs, paving the way for future space exploration missions. The country’s first astronaut mission will serve as a stepping stone for further advancements in space science and technology.

Pakistan’s space journey is now set to enter a new era, reflecting ambition, perseverance, and strategic global partnerships.