Pakistan to Send Astronaut to Chinese Space Station

Pakistan has started the process to select two astronauts for its first manned space mission, following a February agreement with China, with final candidates expected by 2026. One astronaut will participate as a payload specialist in a joint mission to China’s Tiangong space station, conducting scientific experiments on behalf of Pakistan. The process includes initial selection in Pakistan and advanced training in China. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has underscored China as Pakistan’s most reliable strategic partner and signaled interest in further cooperation in satellites and telecommunications. The collaboration marks Pakistan as the first foreign country to send astronauts to the Chinese space station and highlights deepening Sino-Pakistani space ties. China is also discussing future space station participation with other nations, reflecting its broader international ambitions.