Pakistan will send an astronaut to the Chinese Space Station. PHOTO: RADIO PAKISTAN
The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has completed the secondary phase of selection of astronaut candidates, marking a new milestone in Pakistan’s human spaceflight programme, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Saturday.
After an initial screening in Pakistan, two candidates were shortlisted after undergoing detailed medical, psychological and aptitude assessments at the China Astronaut Center (ACC). SUPARCO said the assessments were conducted in accordance with international human spaceflight standards.
The two shortlisted candidates will now undergo six months of advanced astronaut training at ACC. At the end of the training, one of them will be selected for a space 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 has been 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 were also focused on the Moon in 2026, with the project supported by the governments of Pakistan and China.
