Pakistan will send astronauts to the Chinese space station. PHOTO: RADIO PAKISTAN
Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has completed the secondary phase of selection of astronaut candidates, marking another step in Pakistan’s Human Spaceflight Programme, the Inter-Services Public Relations Office (ISPR) said on Saturday.
Following an initial selection in Pakistan, two candidates were shortlisted after undergoing detailed medical, psychological and fitness evaluations at the China Astronaut Center (ACC). SUPARCO said the evaluations were conducted in accordance with international human spaceflight standards.
The two shortlisted candidates will now undergo six months of advanced training as astronauts at the ACC. After completing the training, one of them will be selected for a space flight mission aboard the Chinese Space Station in October or November 2026.
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The cooperation is based on the bilateral “Astronaut Cooperation Agreement” signed in February 2025 under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Pakistan was chosen by China as the first foreign partner in its astronaut program, reflecting the close ties between the two countries.
SUPARCO director Shafaat Ali said on December 27 that Pakistan’s space ambitions are also focused on the Moon in 2026, with the project backed by the governments of Pakistan and China.
