In what may be considered as a historic progression in the history of Pakistan space ambitions, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), has gone ahead to select two Pakistani astronauts to be sent to the Chinese Space Station in an impending mission.
The second round of the astronaut selection process under the Human Spaceflight Program of the country was officially declared to have been done by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday.
Selection Process for China Space Station Mission
The shortlisting of the two successful candidates was done following an intense selection process. A medical, psychological, and aptitude test was performed on them at the Astronauts Centre of China (ACC) after a prior screening in Pakistan. These tests were done in accordance with the international standards of human spaceflight.
The chosen astronauts are now going to a six months period of progressive training at the ACC.
After the training, only one candidate will be selected to be on board the Chinese Space Station.
It is planned to be carried out in October or November 2026 (temporarily).
This is a directive of the Astronaut Cooperation Agreement between Pakistan and China signed in February 2025 in the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
This cooperation will result in Pakistan being officially involved in the astronaut program of China as the first foreign partner, which speaks of the strengthening of strategic partnership and technological relations between the two countries.
Future Moon Mission
Even outside of the space station, there has been a bigger roadmap that SUPARCO officials have pointed to. Pakistan is also intending to join a mission relating to the Moon in late 2026, and it continues to use the assistance of China to increase its space exploration presence.
