Pakistan to Send First Astronaut to Space by 2026
— February 28, 2025
ISLAMABAD (AIA) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Friday that Pakistan, in collaboration with China, will send its first astronaut to the China Space Station (CSS), marking a historic milestone for the nation’s space programme.
Speaking at a ceremony following the exchange of a cooperation agreement between Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), the prime minister hailed the partnership as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two countries.
He praised Chinese President Xi Jinping’s leadership, highlighting how the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had already transformed Pakistan’s infrastructure, and now, this space collaboration would elevate the nation’s scientific capabilities.
“Pakistan’s participation in the China Space Station programme reflects the deep-rooted ties between our countries and will contribute to mutual knowledge-sharing and the broader vision of peaceful space exploration for humanity’s benefit,” the prime minister said.
Under the agreement, two Pakistani astronauts will receive training at the Astronaut Centre of China. One will be selected as a scientific payload specialist, preparing to conduct specialised research aboard the CSS. The astronaut selection process will conclude by 2026, with the mission launch planned according to CSS schedules.
The first Pakistani astronaut’s mission will involve conducting advanced scientific experiments across multiple fields, including biological and medical sciences, aerospace research, fluid mechanics, space radiation, material sciences, and astronomy.
Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal described the agreement as a “historic milestone,” underscoring its potential to accelerate technological innovation, capacity building, and research development. He emphasised that the collaboration extends beyond astronaut training, laying the groundwork for Pakistan’s long-term growth in human spaceflight and space exploration.
CMSA Director General Dr Lin Xinqiang reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in space, expressing enthusiasm for Pakistan’s participation in the programme.
SUPARCO Chairman Mohammad Yousaf Khan called the agreement a landmark moment in Pakistan’s space journey, encouraging youth, academics, and professionals to contribute to the nation’s space exploration efforts through research, innovation, and skills development.