Pakistan Becomes First Foreign Nation to Join China’s Space Training Program
Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) Director, Shafaat Ali, announced on Friday that Pakistan will send two astronauts to China for specialized training. This marks a historic milestone, making Pakistan the first foreign country to participate in China’s space station training program.
Under an agreement signed between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government and China, astronauts will be selected strictly on merit. Eligible candidates include PhD holders, experienced pilots, and graduates who meet specific physical criteria, Ali stated while speaking to a private news channel.
He emphasized that China initially restricted its astronaut training to its own citizens but has now extended this exclusive opportunity to Pakistan, strengthening bilateral cooperation and friendship between the two nations.
The selection process will be rigorous, consisting of three stages to ensure only the most qualified candidates are chosen for training in China. The final selection of astronauts is expected to be completed by 2026.
Ali highlighted that the mission will conduct advanced scientific research in multiple disciplines, including biological and medical sciences, aerospace, applied physics, fluid mechanics, space radiation, ecology, material sciences, microgravity studies, and astronomy at the Chinese Space Station (CSS).
Expressing gratitude, he acknowledged the support of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Chinese government for providing Pakistan with this groundbreaking opportunity to advance in space exploration.
