Pakistan to send astronauts to China for first space training, SUPARCO director announced on Friday as Pakistan will become the first foreign country to join China’s program.
Suparco Director Shafaat Ali announced on Friday that Pakistan will send two astronauts to China for training, marking a historic moment as it becomes the first foreign country to join China’s space station training program.
He explained that, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, Pakistan signed an agreement with China to facilitate astronaut training. The selection will be merit-based, focusing on PhD holders, skilled pilots, and graduates who meet required physical standards.
Ali emphasized that the partnership with China will provide advanced training to Pakistani candidates, prioritizing those with strong academic qualifications, relevant experience, and who meet specific physical fitness criteria.
He noted that while astronaut training in China was previously limited to Chinese citizens, the inclusion of Pakistan now reflects deepening ties and growing cooperation between the two countries.
Ali outlined a rigorous, three-stage selection process for Pakistani astronauts, designed to ensure that only the best-qualified individuals are chosen for the program in China. He added that the selection of astronauts is expected to be finalized by 2026.
In response to a question, he shared that the mission will conduct advanced research in a range of disciplines including biology, medicine, aerospace, physics, space radiation, ecology, microgravity studies, materials science, and astronomy aboard the Chinese Space Station (CSS).
Ali concluded by thanking the Prime Minister and the Chinese government for offering Pakistan this exceptional opportunity, describing it as a major step forward in the country’s space ambitions.
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