In a landmark step for international space collaboration, China and Pakistan are advancing plans to send the first Pakistani astronaut to the Chinese space station. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) confirmed Thursday that two Pakistani candidates will train alongside Chinese astronauts, with one ultimately participating in a short-duration mission as a payload specialist.
The initiative follows a bilateral cooperation agreement signed in February 2024. CMSA spokesperson Zhang Jingbo outlined a rigorous three-stage selection process mirroring China’s own astronaut recruitment standards. Preliminary screenings are underway in Pakistan, followed by advanced technical evaluations and final training in China.
‘This partnership embodies the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and shared development,’ Zhang stated during the press conference. Selected astronauts will conduct Pakistani-led scientific experiments while performing standard crew duties during their mission.
China’s Tiangong space station has increasingly become a hub for international cooperation, with CMSA actively inviting global partners to join its missions. The program aligns with Beijing’s vision of fostering technological advancement through multilateral engagement. ‘We welcome counterparts worldwide to collaborate on our space station’s missions,’ Zhang added.
The announcement highlights Asia’s growing influence in space exploration and positions Pakistan as the latest nation to benefit from China’s expanding orbital infrastructure. For business analysts, the development signals deepening Sino-Pakistani technological ties, while academics note its potential to reshape regional STEM collaboration.
