China to Send First Pakistani Astronaut into Space Under Joint Mission Program

China has announced that it will send a Pakistani astronaut on a short-term mission to the Tiangong Space Station, marking a groundbreaking achievement in Pakistan’s space exploration efforts. The announcement, made by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) and reported by Xinhua, highlights a new era of space collaboration between the two countries.

According to CMSA, two Pakistani astronauts will undergo specialized training alongside Chinese astronauts at the Astronaut Centre of China, after which one will be selected to join a short-duration mission as a payload specialist. The chosen astronaut will conduct scientific experiments and research aboard the Tiangong Space Station during the mission.

This development follows a cooperation agreement signed earlier in 2025 between Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and CMSA. The partnership establishes Pakistan’s formal participation in China’s manned space program and underscores growing collaboration in science, technology, and innovation under the China-Pakistan strategic framework.

Officials confirmed that the astronaut selection process began in April 2025, involving a rigorous evaluation of technical expertise, physical fitness, and psychological readiness. The mission represents a major milestone for Pakistan’s emerging space program and signals a new phase of regional cooperation in advanced space research.

Experts view the upcoming mission as a symbol of Pakistan’s expanding role in international space exploration, with China’s support providing access to cutting-edge training, technology transfer, and research opportunities in the global space industry.