Pakistan is set to make history as the first foreign country to participate in China’s space station training program. Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) Director Shafaat Ali announced on Friday that two merit-based Pakistani astronauts will be sent for training in China, marking a major milestone in the nation’s space ambitions.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan signed an agreement with China to train astronauts based on merit. The selection criteria will include PhD holders, experienced pilots, and graduates who meet specific physical requirements. Ali emphasized that China, which had previously reserved astronaut training solely for its own citizens, has now extended this opportunity to Pakistan, strengthening bilateral cooperation.
A rigorous three-stage selection process will ensure only the most qualified candidates are chosen for the training program, which is expected to conclude by 2026. The mission will enable Pakistan to conduct cutting-edge scientific experiments in diverse fields such as biological and medical sciences, aerospace, fluid mechanics, space radiation, ecology, material sciences, and astronomy aboard China’s space station.
Ali expressed his deep gratitude to the Chinese government and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for making this opportunity possible, positioning Pakistan on the global space exploration map.
