Pakistan is set to send its first astronaut to space under a landmark human spaceflight collaboration with China, marking the country’s historic entry into a select group of nations participating in active crewed space programmes.
According to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), two astronaut candidates Khurram Daud and Muhammad Zeeshan Ali , have been selected and sent to China for advanced training as part of preparations for the upcoming mission.
Officials said Pakistan is expected to take part in a mission aboard the China Space Station by the end of 2026. One of the two candidates will ultimately be selected to fly as a payload specialist on a Shenzhou mission, where he will conduct scientific experiments in a microgravity environment.
The planned research activities will focus on important fields including material science, fluid physics, life sciences and biotechnology. Experts believe the outcomes of these experiments could support future progress in climate change mitigation, food security, healthcare and industrial innovation.
The development is being described as a major milestone in Pakistan’s space journey, significantly expanding the country’s role from satellite development and remote sensing into advanced human space exploration.
The initiative also reflects growing technological cooperation between Pakistan and China, opening new opportunities for scientific exchange, innovation and high-tech capacity building.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised SUPARCO for its progress in deep space research and termed the mission a symbol of the enduring Pakistan-China strategic partnership.
He said Pakistan’s inclusion in the human spaceflight programme demonstrates the depth of bilateral ties and serves as a practical expression of decades-long cooperation between the two friendly countries. The mission is expected to inspire a new generation of Pakistani students, scientists and engineers while enhancing the country’s profile in the global space community.
