In a landmark moment for Pakistan’s space ambitions, a Pakistani astronaut is set to make history by joining China’s space station as a payload specialist, marking a new chapter in China-Pakistan space cooperation.
According to an announcement by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), two Pakistani astronauts will undergo training alongside their Chinese counterparts, with one of them scheduled to participate in a short-duration space mission aboard the Chinese space station in the near future.
This milestone follows a formal cooperation agreement signed earlier this year between the China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO) and Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). The agreement outlines joint efforts for astronaut training, spaceflight missions, and the eventual inclusion of a Pakistani astronaut in China’s manned space program a first for any foreign nation.
As part of the program, the Chinese government will oversee the selection and training process of a group of Pakistani astronauts. The process, expected to last around one year, will include a rigorous and comprehensive training regimen in China. Once completed, Pakistani astronauts will participate in short-term flight missions alongside Chinese crews aboard the orbiting space station over the coming years.
Experts say this collaboration highlights the growing strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, extending beyond defense and infrastructure into the frontiers of space exploration. It also signals a significant leap for Pakistan’s scientific community, potentially inspiring a new generation of researchers, engineers, and space enthusiasts back home.
The announcement has sparked excitement across social media, with many calling it a proud moment for Pakistan and a sign that the country is ready to make its mark in the global space race.
