Pakistan’s two candidates start training in
China ahead of space mission
Pakistan’s ambitions in human spaceflight have taken a significant step
forward, with two astronaut candidates undergoing training in China ahead of a
planned mission to the Tiangong space station.
Pakistan’s efforts to enter the field of human spaceflight are progressing
from diplomatic agreements to operational preparation, as two selected candidates
continue their astronaut training in China under a bilateral cooperation
programme.
The initiative is expected to culminate in the participation of one
Pakistani candidate in a future mission aboard China’s Tiangong space station,
marking a potential milestone in the country’s space programme.
Beyond the prospect of sending its first astronaut into orbit, the
partnership offers Pakistan opportunities to expand scientific research,
develop specialised technical expertise and strengthen cooperation with one of
the world’s leading spacefaring nations.
From bilateral agreement to astronaut training
Pakistan and China formalised their human spaceflight cooperation in
February 2025, establishing a framework for selecting and training Pakistani
candidates with Chinese assistance.
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The programme subsequently advanced through a series of selection and
assessment stages. In February 2026, Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere
Research Commission (SUPARCO) announced that two candidates had progressed
beyond the secondary selection phase following medical, psychological and
aptitude evaluations.
The candidates, Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud, were identified by
SUPARCO in April 2026 and subsequently entered the training programme in China.
China’s astronaut authorities have confirmed their participation in the
preparation process. The training includes technical instruction,
Chinese-language studies and coordination with Chinese astronauts.
According to statements cited in reports on the programme, one of the candidates
is expected to fly to the Chinese space station as a scientific payload
specialist after completing the required training and selection procedures.
The final mission assignment will depend on the programme’s requirements and
the candidates’ performance during training.
Scientific research at the centre of the mission
The planned mission is expected to provide Pakistani scientists with an
opportunity to participate in experiments conducted in the microgravity
environment of a space station.
Potential research areas include biological and medical sciences, materials
science, fluid mechanics and space radiation. Such experiments can help
researchers examine physical and biological processes under conditions that
differ substantially from those on Earth.
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A payload specialist typically focuses on scientific experiments and
mission-specific research rather than serving primarily as a spacecraft pilot
or commander.
For Pakistan, participation could establish new links between its research
institutions and China's space laboratories. Universities and scientific
organisations may be able to contribute experimental concepts, develop research
protocols and analyse data returned from the mission.
However, the scientific benefits will depend on the experiments ultimately
approved and the extent to which Pakistani institutions participate in their
design and evaluation.
Establishing a sustained research programme around the mission would be
essential to translating the experience into lasting scientific progress.
Building expertise beyond human spaceflight
The astronaut initiative is part of a broader Pakistan-China partnership
covering satellite development, Earth observation and other space-related
technologies.
In April 2026, Pakistan launched its EO-3 Earth-observation satellite from
China’s Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre. The satellite reportedly incorporated
experimental technologies, including a multi-geometry imaging module, an
advanced energy storage system and artificial intelligence-based onboard data
processing.
Earth-observation systems have practical applications in agriculture,
disaster response, environmental monitoring and land-use planning. Human
spaceflight, meanwhile, requires expertise in areas such as astronaut health,
life-support systems, crew safety and orbital mission operations.
Although these fields involve different technical challenges, cooperation
across them can strengthen Pakistan’s broader scientific and engineering base.
Experience gained through international programmes can also support the
development of domestic capabilities in electronics, robotics, materials
research, data analysis and advanced manufacturing.
The key challenge will be ensuring that knowledge acquired abroad is
transferred to Pakistani institutions and used to develop local expertise.
China expands international participation in its space programme
The partnership also reflects China’s efforts to broaden international
engagement in human spaceflight.
China has developed an independent human spaceflight programme and operates
the Tiangong space station, which supports crewed missions and scientific
experiments in orbit.
Pakistan’s participation in the astronaut training arrangement represents a
significant development in bilateral scientific cooperation.
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In September 2026, Yang Liwei, China’s first astronaut and deputy chief
designer of its manned space programme, said the Pakistani candidates were
undergoing training and would fly aboard the Chinese space station in the
future.
The planned mission would provide Pakistan with access to a
human-spaceflight programme without requiring it to independently develop an
entire crewed spacecraft, launch system and orbital station.
For China, the arrangement offers an opportunity to deepen technological and
scientific ties with a longstanding partner while expanding international
participation in its space activities.
Potential links with CPEC 2.0 and technological development
The astronaut programme is not itself a China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
(CPEC) project, but it aligns with wider discussions on expanding bilateral
cooperation into advanced technology, innovation and human-resource
development.
CPEC has traditionally focused on transport infrastructure, energy and
industrial development. More recent cooperation priorities have also
highlighted information technology, artificial intelligence, scientific
innovation and technical training.
A Pakistan-China joint statement issued in May 2026 welcomed the training of
Pakistani astronaut candidates and supported further cooperation in
space-related fields.
These areas could create opportunities for Pakistani universities, research
centres and technology institutions to participate in collaborative projects.
Nevertheless, translating space cooperation into wider economic benefits
will require structured knowledge-transfer programmes, sustained research
funding and stronger links between academic institutions and industry.
Challenges beyond the first mission
While sending a Pakistani astronaut to orbit would represent a historic
achievement, a single mission would not be sufficient to establish a
comprehensive national human-spaceflight capability.
Pakistan would need continued investment in scientific laboratories,
engineering education, satellite technology and advanced research. Developing a
skilled workforce of scientists, technicians, medical specialists and mission
planners would also be essential.
Funding and institutional coordination will play a particularly important
role. Experiments require preparation before launch, operational support during
a mission and detailed analysis after the data becomes available.
Universities and research organisations must therefore be involved throughout
the process rather than treating the astronaut's journey as an isolated
national milestone.
A sustained programme could help create a cycle in which specialised
training supports scientific research, research advances technological
development, and new technologies produce practical applications on Earth.
A milestone for Pakistan’s space ambitions
With two candidates undergoing training in China, Pakistan has moved closer
to participating directly in human spaceflight.
The eventual mission to Tiangong would mark an important moment in the
country’s space history and could open new avenues for international research
collaboration.
Its long-term significance, however, will depend on what follows the flight.
Expanding scientific partnerships, enabling Pakistani researchers to conduct
experiments and applying acquired expertise to domestic technology development
will determine whether the programme produces benefits beyond its immediate
symbolic value.
Pakistan’s first astronaut could become the most visible figure in this
effort. The more enduring achievement may be the scientific and engineering
expertise developed through the programme, helping the country build a stronger
foundation for future participation in space exploration.
Source: The Daily CPEC