Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has achieved another major milestone in Pakistan’s Human Spaceflight Programme with the successful completion of the secondary phase of astronaut candidate selection, bringing the country significantly closer to sending its first astronaut into orbit.
The development marks a historic step for Pakistan’s space ambitions, transitioning the national programme from satellite development and remote sensing into the domain of crewed space missions.
Rigorous Screening Conducted in China
After an initial screening phase conducted in Pakistan, a pool of candidates was sent to China for advanced evaluation. Following comprehensive medical, psychological, and aptitude assessments, two candidates have now been officially shortlisted.
These assessments were conducted at the China Astronauts Centre (ACC) in strict accordance with international human spaceflight standards, underscoring the technical and physiological demands of modern crewed missions.
Six Months of Advanced Astronaut Training
The two shortlisted candidates will now undergo six months of advanced astronaut training at the ACC. The training programme is expected to include:
- Microgravity adaptation
- Spacecraft systems familiarisation
- Emergency response and survival training
- Physical conditioning and mission simulations
Upon completion of this phase, one candidate will be selected to represent Pakistan on a crewed space mission.
Planned Mission to the Chinese Space Station in 2026
According to official plans, the selected Pakistani astronaut is scheduled to fly aboard the Chinese Space Station (CSS) in October or November 2026.
The CSS, also known as Tiangong, is China’s permanently crewed orbital laboratory and represents one of the most advanced space infrastructure projects currently in operation. Pakistan’s participation will provide hands-on experience in orbital science, life sciences, and applied research in microgravity.
Bilateral Agreement Enabled Historic Cooperation
This initiative is anchored in the Astronaut Cooperation Agreement, signed in February 2025 under the leadership of the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The agreement laid the legal and technical foundation for Pakistan’s entry into human spaceflight.
Officials note that sustained political backing and strategic vision were instrumental in securing Pakistan’s role in the programme.
China Selects Pakistan as First Foreign Astronaut Partner
The project also reflects strong institutional support from the Government of China, which selected Pakistan as the first foreign partner in its astronaut programme.
This decision highlights the depth of Pakistan-China space cooperation, which already spans satellite launches, Earth observation, and space science, and now extends into crewed missions—an area traditionally limited to a small number of spacefaring nations.
Strategic and Scientific Significance for Pakistan
Participation in a human spaceflight mission is expected to yield long-term benefits for Pakistan, including:
- Development of indigenous astronaut training expertise
- Advancement in space medicine and life sciences
- Enhanced STEM inspiration and national prestige
- Deeper integration into international space research networks
Analysts view the programme as a catalyst for modernising Pakistan’s space ecosystem and positioning SUPARCO for more ambitious future missions.
A Defining Moment for Pakistan’s Space Journey
With astronaut training underway and a clear mission timeline in place, Pakistan’s human spaceflight programme has moved from aspiration to execution. The upcoming mission to the Chinese Space Station is widely seen as a defining chapter in the country’s scientific and technological evolution.
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