ISLAMABAD: The enduring friendship between Pakistan and China, oncepoetically described as higher than the Himalayas, has now transcendedearthly boundaries to reach the vast expanse of outer space. RenownedChinese defense analyst Dr. Victor Gao recently announced a momentousdevelopment, stating that Pakistani astronauts will soon share the cosmoswith their Chinese counterparts. This collaboration heralds a new era ofjoint space endeavors, symbolizing unbreakable bilateral ties.
The announcement follows a landmark cooperation agreement signed inFebruary 2025 between the China Manned Space Agency and Pakistan’s Spaceand Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). Under this pact,Pakistan will select and train its first group of astronauts in China,culminating in a short-duration mission to the Tiangong space station. Dr.Gao emphasized the rapid progress, noting that preliminary selections areunderway in Pakistan, with final training phases set to commence soon.
Expected as early as October 2026, the mission will see one Pakistaniastronaut serve as a payload specialist alongside Chinese taikonauts. Thisindividual will conduct vital scientific experiments tailored for Pakistan,including studies on microgravity effects and resource monitoring, whileassisting in routine station operations. The selection process, mirroringChina’s rigorous standards, involves three stages and is projected toconclude within the next year, fostering technical expertise transfer.
This initiative marks Pakistan as the first foreign nation to participatein China’s manned space program, underscoring Beijing’s growing spacediplomacy. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed it as a testament to mutualtrust and shared vision. Beyond symbolism, the mission promises practicalgains, enhancing Pakistan’s capabilities in aerospace engineering andinspiring youth toward STEM fields. It also aligns with broader Sino-Pakventures, such as joint lunar explorations under the Chang’e-8 missionslated for 2028.
Parallel to human spaceflight ambitions, SUPARCO is advancing towardself-reliance in satellite launches. While recent milestones include theJanuary 2025 deployment of the indigenous PRSC-EO1 electro-opticalsatellite from China’s Jiuquan center—bolstering disaster management andagriculture—domestic launch infrastructure remains a priority. SUPARCO’sstrategic roadmap, under Space Vision 2040, targets the development of acoastal launch pad at Sonmiani Beach.
Read Top Stories
Equipped with solid-fuel rocket technology and hybrid propulsion systems,the facility aims to enable orbital insertions from Pakistani soil. Expertsproject the inaugural indigenous satellite launch from this site by 2030,reducing reliance on foreign providers and cutting costs. Successfulsounding rocket tests in recent years, coupled with AI-integrated designs,lay the groundwork for this achievement, promising economic dividendsthrough high-tech job creation and fortified national security.
These dual pursuits—manned missions with China and autonomouslaunches—position Pakistan as an emerging space power. Amid globalcompetition, sustained funding and international partnerships areessential. Dr. Gao’s optimistic forecast not only galvanizes national pridebut also signals a transformative chapter in Pakistan’s scientific odyssey,where cosmic aspirations meet tangible progress.
Source:www.space.com/space-exploration/human-spaceflight/china-and-pakistan-agree-to-fly-1st-foreign-astronaut-to-chinese-space-station”>https://www.space.com/space-exploration/human-spaceflight/china-and-pakistan-agree-to-fly-1st-foreign-astronaut-to-chinese-space-station