ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has achieved yet another significant milestone in Pakistan’s Human Spaceflight Programme with the successful completion of the secondary phase of astronaut candidates’ selection.
Following an initial screening process in Pakistan, two candidates have been shortlisted after undergoing comprehensive medical, psychological and aptitude assessments conducted at the Astronauts Centre of China (ACC), in accordance with international human spaceflight standards.
The shortlisted candidates will undertake advanced astronaut training for six months at ACC. Upon completion of training, one candidate will be selected for a spaceflight mission aboard the Chinese Space Station (CSS) in October / November 2026.
This cooperation is anchored on the bilateral “Astronaut Cooperation Agreement”, signed in February 2025, under the leadership of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, whose vision and support were instrumental in enabling Pakistan’s participation in human spaceflight.
This landmark initiative also reflects the strong support of the Government of the People’s Republic of China, which selected Pakistan as the first foreign partner in its astronaut programme.
China expands space ties with Pakistan through astronaut program
Earlier, China has expanded space ties with Pakistan through the astronaut program under which Pakistan astronauts will perform short-term missions as part of China’s space station missions, reported Chinese media on Thursday.
According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, China has decided to expand its space ties with Pakistan through a significant astronaut program.
Two Pakistani astronauts will undergo training alongside Chinese astronauts, and one of them will be selected to participate in a short-duration spaceflight mission as a payload specialist, the China Manned Space Agency announced at a press conference on Thursday.
The astronaut from Pakistan will train alongside Chinese astronauts, Xinhua reported China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), as announced at a press conference.
China’s Global Times also reported that during the mission, the astronaut will not only participate in the crew’s routine work but will also conduct experiments on behalf of Pakistan.
