BEIJING (THE THURSDAY TIMES) — China has announced that two Pakistani astronauts will undergo joint space training with Chinese crews, one of whom will later join a short-term mission as a payload specialist, in what officials are calling a landmark step in bilateral scientific collaboration.
The news was confirmed at a press conference in Beijing by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), which stated that the selection process for Pakistan’s astronauts has officially begun. The initiative follows the space cooperation agreement signed between the two countries earlier this year, underscoring China’s growing role as a regional partner in advanced aerospace development.
According to CMSA spokesperson Zhang Jingbu, Pakistan’s astronaut selection process mirrors China’s own rigorous three-phase model, involving an initial screening, a second-stage evaluation, and a final phase. The first stage is currently under way in Pakistan, while the subsequent phases will be conducted in China.
Preparations for the second stage are already in progress, with China developing training modules, instructional materials, and logistical support for the Pakistani candidates. Once the final selection is made, the two Pakistani astronauts will join Chinese counterparts in an intensive training programme designed to familiarise them with spacecraft systems, microgravity operations, and emergency protocols.
Upon completion, one of the two will be chosen for a short-duration mission aboard a Chinese spacecraft, where they will perform scientific experiments and routine duties during the flight.
Zhang emphasised that China’s human spaceflight programme has always adhered to principles of peace, equality, mutual benefit, and shared development. Since its inception, Beijing has extended invitations to foreign astronauts to participate in its space station missions as part of its effort to promote international cooperation and knowledge exchange.
He added that China aims to broaden global participation in space exploration, particularly by enabling developing countries to access cutting-edge technology and training. “We invite astronauts from all over the world to join our missions aboard the Chinese space station,” Zhang said, reiterating China’s commitment to making space exploration an inclusive enterprise.
The move signals a new chapter in Sino-Pakistani relations, extending their partnership from terrestrial infrastructure and defence cooperation into the realm of space science. For Pakistan, it marks a major milestone in its pursuit of technological advancement and reflects a strategic step toward establishing a national presence in human spaceflight.
