Pakistan and China Partner for Space Exploration with Astronauts
Two Pakistani astronauts are set to undergo rigorous training in China, preparing for a future mission aboard China’s Tiangong space station. The China-Manned Space Agency (CMSA) confirmed on Wednesday that the astronauts’ selection process has begun, following a bilateral agreement signed between China and Pakistan in February.
The selection of candidates will follow a strict three-stage process — preliminary, secondary, and final stages — ensuring that only the most qualified candidates are chosen. Once selected, the Pakistani astronaut will join the crew as a payload specialist, contributing to scientific experiments for Pakistan alongside their regular crew duties.
This milestone comes just as China confirms the Shenzhou-20 mission, which is scheduled to launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre. The mission will be led by veteran astronaut Chen Dong, who has spent more than 200 days in space and is embarking on his third flight. He will be joined by first-time astronauts Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, who will also contribute to the mission’s scientific experiments. The Shenzhou-20 crew is expected to conduct physics and life sciences experiments, along with installing protective equipment to defend against space debris.
The collaboration between China and Pakistan signifies the growth of Pakistan’s space program, with Pakistan now poised to participate in space missions alongside its Chinese counterparts. Since being excluded from the International Space Station in 2011, China has been focusing on expanding its partnerships with other nations, including Pakistan, to further its space exploration ambitions.