Pakistan will send two astronauts to China to train under a historical agreement of spatial collaboration, becoming the first foreign nation to join the prestigious training program of the Beijing Space Station.
The announcement was made by the director of the space research commission and the upper atmosphere of Pakistan (Supparco), Shafaat Ali, Friday.
Speaking to a private media, ALI confirmed that the two astronauts will be selected based on merit, with eligibility criteria that include doctoral qualifications, aviation experience and strict physical standards.
The collaboration is under an agreement signed by the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, marking a historical step in the space ties of Pakistan-China.
“This association opens new ways for advanced scientific research and strengthens the already solid strategic relationship between the two countries,” said Ali.
Until now, astronaut training in China had limited its own citizens. This change, said Supparco, reflects the depth of trust and a shared vision for space exploration.
Ali described a three -phase selection process that will conclude by 2026, with the chosen candidates who are expected to perform avant -garde scientific experiments aboard the Chinese Space Station (CSS). The research areas will include microgravity, spatial radiation, fluid mechanics, astronomy and biological sciences.
Expressing gratitude to the Chinese government and Prime Minister Sharif, Ali said that the initiative marks “a giant leap” for Pakistan’s spatial ambitions.
