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April 22, 2026
Pakistan has achieved a landmark advancement in its space exploration journey as two astronauts have been selected as candidates for China’s manned space program, marking the first time foreign astronauts will train for and potentially visit the Tiangong space station.
The two selected astronauts, Khurram Daud and Muhammad Zeeshan Ali, will travel to China soon to undergo advanced training at the Astronaut Centre of China (ACC) . After completing all training and passing relevant assessments, one of them will participate in a spaceflight mission as a payload specialist, becoming the first foreign astronaut to board the Chinese space station.
Key Milestones of the Mission
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Selected Astronauts | Khurram Daud, Muhammad Zeeshan Ali |
| Training Location | Astronaut Centre of China (ACC) |
| Mission Role | Payload Specialist |
| Spacecraft | Shenzhou |
| Destination | Tiangong Space Station |
| Expected Launch | Late 2026 |
| First Foreign Astronaut | Yes, first non-Chinese astronaut aboard Tiangong |
Scientific Experiments Aboard the Space Station
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Pakistani astronaut will conduct several scientific experiments in microgravity during the mission . These experiments will span multiple critical fields:
- Material Science
- Fluid Physics
- Life and Bio Science
- Biotechnology
The research conducted during the mission holds significant potential for addressing real-world challenges, including climate resilience, food security, and industrial innovation.
Selection Process
The selection process was rigorous and thorough, conducted in multiple phases. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced that the selection of the first group of foreign astronauts for China’s manned space program was completed in early April 2026 . The two Pakistani candidates emerged successful after three rounds of screening:
- Preliminary Selection – Initial screening in Pakistan
- Secondary Selection – Detailed medical, psychological, and aptitude assessments
- Final Selection – Comprehensive evaluations at ACC
The evaluations were conducted in line with international human spaceflight standards.
Bilateral Cooperation Agreement
The selection and training of Pakistani astronauts follows the “Astronaut Cooperation Agreement” signed in February 2025 in Islamabad, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif . The agreement was signed between the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) and Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).
The CMSA described the selection and training of Pakistani astronauts as a “landmark event in the history of China’s space industry” . The agency further stated:
“It stands as an iconic achievement of international cooperation on the Chinese space station, and also a successful example of the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership taking concrete shape in the space sector. This fully demonstrates the open attitude of the Chinese government to share the accomplishments of its space industry with the international community.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his appreciation for this major advancement by SUPARCO in promoting deep space research. He also paid tribute to the enduring and strong friendship between Pakistan and China.
The Prime Minister noted that Pakistan’s inclusion in the human spaceflight mission reflects the close and cooperative ties between the two countries . He further stated that the cooperation agreement was instrumental in enabling Pakistan’s participation in human spaceflight, reflecting his vision and support .
SUPARCO’s Statement
SUPARCO, Pakistan’s national space agency, confirmed that the two astronauts have already departed for China to begin advanced astronaut training. This positions Pakistan in the community of a select group of nations actively engaged in human spaceflight programs.
According to SUPARCO, the Chinese government selected Pakistan as the first foreign partner in its astronaut programme, reflecting the close ties between the two countries.
Pakistan’s Entry Into Human Spaceflight
With this mission, Pakistan joins a select group of nations actively engaged in human spaceflight programs . SUPARCO had previously completed the secondary phase of selecting astronaut candidates, marking another step in Pakistan’s Human Spaceflight Programme, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in February 2026.
The mission, expected to launch in late 2026, will see a Pakistani astronaut serve as a payload expert on a Shenzhou mission, conducting microgravity experiments that will contribute to scientific knowledge and practical applications.
