Two Pakistani Astronauts Selected for China Space Station Mission

Pakistan has completed the second phase of astronaut selection under its Human Spaceflight Program, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Saturday. This milestone comes after an initial screening process in Pakistan, followed by a series of comprehensive medical, psychological, and aptitude tests conducted at China’s Astronauts Centre, in line with international human spaceflight standards.

Two candidates successfully advanced from this stage and will now proceed to the next phase of training. Both individuals will undergo six months of advanced astronaut training at China’s Astronauts Centre, as part of the ongoing collaboration between Pakistan and China. Following this training period, one candidate will be selected to participate in a mission to the Chinese Space Station, which is scheduled for October or November 2026.

The joint space venture is rooted in the Astronaut Cooperation Agreement signed in February 2025 under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, making Pakistan the first foreign partner to join China’s astronaut program. The agreement underscores the expanding space cooperation between the two countries and marks a significant step for Pakistan’s ambitions in human spaceflight.

SUPARCO officials have also indicated that Pakistan’s broader space roadmap includes participation in a Moon-related mission planned for 2026 with Chinese support, reflecting the country’s long-term vision for advancing its space capabilities.