🚀 Pakistan Reaches for the Stars! China to Send First Pakistani Astronaut to Space Station

Islamabad, October 30, 2025 — In a landmark moment for Pakistan’s space exploration efforts, China has officially announced plans to send a Pakistani astronaut on a short-term mission to the Tiangong Space Station, symbolizing a new era of scientific collaboration between the two nations.

According to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), the announcement was made on Thursday and confirmed by China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency. As part of this milestone initiative, two Pakistani astronauts will undergo professional training alongside their Chinese counterparts at the Astronaut Centre of China. Following the training, one astronaut will be selected for a short-duration spaceflight as a payload specialist, conducting research aboard the Tiangong Space Station.

This mission represents the first-ever participation of a Pakistani astronaut in a manned space program, underscoring the country’s growing presence in international space research.

The development stems from a strategic cooperation agreement signed earlier this year between Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and CMSA. The partnership aims to enhance joint efforts in space science, technology, and exploration, while strengthening the long-standing friendship between Islamabad and Beijing.

Officials revealed that the astronaut selection process began in April 2025, with candidates evaluated through rigorous technical assessments and physical fitness tests. The training and eventual space mission are expected to advance Pakistan’s ambitions in human spaceflight and expand regional collaboration in advanced space technology.

This joint initiative not only highlights Pakistan-China cooperation but also marks a defining chapter in Pakistan’s journey toward becoming an active participant in global space exploration.