The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) on Wednesday announced a landmark advancement in Pakistan’s manned space mission program, as two astronaut candidates are set to depart for China to begin advanced training at the Astronaut Center of China.
In a posting on X, the Information Ministry said this marks a significant step forward in Pakistan’s space exploration journey, positioning the country within a community of select nations actively engaged in human spaceflight. It identified the two candidates as Khurram Daud and Muhammad Zeeshan Ali.
The ministry said Pakistan would join a mission to the China Space Station planned for launch in 2026. One of the Pakistani astronauts, it said, would serve as a Payload Expert and would conduct several scientific experiments in microgravity.
These experiments span critical areas including material science, fluid physics, life/bio science, and biotechnology, with potential applications for climate resilience, food security, and industrial innovation.
Commending the efforts of SUPARCO, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also appreciated the ironclad China-Pakistan brotherhood, noting Pakistan was chosen as the first country to participate in China’s manned space mission.
In a statement on Feb. 7, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had said SUPARCO had successfully completed the secondary phase of selecting astronaut candidates, a significant milestone in Pakistan’s Human Spaceflight Program.
It said the shortlisted candidates had undergone comprehensive medical, psychological and aptitude assessments at the Astronauts Center of China in line with international human spaceflight standards. It further said the Pak-China cooperation was anchored in a bilateral Astronaut Cooperation Agreement signed in February 2025, reflecting the prime minister’s vision and support.
The military’s media wing described the development as a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s space ambitions and a testament to growing bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and China in advanced scientific and technological domains.