China’s space station to welcome Pakistani astronaut as announced the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
In a major milestone for Pakistan’s space program, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Friday that the country, in partnership with China, will launch its first manned space mission to China’s space station.
During a ceremony following the signing of an agreement between Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and the China Manned Space Agency, the prime minister described the development as another remarkable step by China to strengthen bilateral space cooperation.
He highlighted that, under the visionary leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, China’s space program is advancing rapidly. At the same time, large-scale projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are reshaping Pakistan’s infrastructure and economy.
The prime minister emphasized that Pakistan’s involvement in the China Space Station program reflects the deep-rooted partnership between the two nations. He noted that this collaboration would facilitate knowledge sharing and mutual support in peaceful space exploration for global scientific progress.
As part of the agreement, two Pakistani astronauts will receive specialized training at China’s Astronaut Center. One of them will be designated as a scientific payload specialist, responsible for conducting advanced research aboard the China Space Station (CSS). The final selection of astronauts is expected to be completed by 2026, with the selected astronaut participating in a future CSS mission.
The maiden Pakistani astronaut mission at CSS will focus on conducting high-level scientific research in various fields, including biomedical sciences, aerospace technology, applied physics, fluid dynamics, space radiation, ecology, material science, microgravity experiments, and astronomy.
Dr. Lin Xinqiang, Director General of the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, reaffirming China’s dedication to strengthening international cooperation in space research and exploration.
Mohammad Yousaf Khan, Chairman of SUPARCO, called the agreement a landmark achievement in Pakistan’s space ambitions, stressing the need for persistence, adaptability, and technological innovation. He urged the country’s youth, scientists, and academic institutions to actively participate in Pakistan’s space program through research, innovation, and skill development.
Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal also lauded the agreement, describing it as a crucial step in advancing technological capabilities, building research capacity, and fostering innovation in Pakistan.
China and Pakistan formalized their agreement on astronaut selection and training on Friday, as per a report.
The agreement marks a historic first, as China will train astronauts from another country for the first time. The report also noted that China’s space station is set to welcome its first foreign astronaut in the coming years.
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