ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has taken a significant step toward its first human spaceflight mission, as the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) successfully completed the secondary phase of astronaut candidate selection, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Saturday.
Two Candidates Shortlisted for Advanced Training
Following an initial screening process in Pakistan, two candidates were shortlisted after undergoing rigorous medical, psychological, and aptitude assessments at the Astronauts Centre of China (ACC), in line with international human spaceflight standards.
The selected candidates will now participate in six months of advanced astronaut training at the ACC. Upon successful completion of this programme, one candidate will be chosen to join a spaceflight mission aboard the Chinese Space Station (CSS), scheduled for October or November 2026.
Bilateral Cooperation with China
The ISPR noted that this initiative is part of the Astronaut Cooperation Agreement signed between Pakistan and China in February 2025, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The agreement reflects the Prime Minister’s vision and support, which were key to enabling Pakistan’s participation in human spaceflight.
Pakistan Successfully Launches Remote Sensing Satellite into Space with China’s Help
China has selected Pakistan as the first foreign partner in its astronaut programme, highlighting strong bilateral ties and scientific cooperation between the two countries.
A Landmark Achievement for Pakistan
ISPR described the development as a landmark milestone in Pakistan’s Human Spaceflight Programme, marking the country’s growing presence in advanced scientific and technological domains. The programme underscores Pakistan’s commitment to space exploration and its collaboration with China in cutting-edge research and space technology.
The upcoming mission will make Pakistan one of the few countries in the region to participate in manned space missions, representing a major achievement for the nation’s scientific community and its space ambitions.
