RAWALPINDI: Pakistan has taken a significant step toward human spaceflight as the Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) successfully concluded the second phase of astronaut candidate selection, according to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday.
After an initial screening carried out domestically, two Pakistani candidates advanced to the next stage, undergoing rigorous medical, psychological, and aptitude assessments at China’s Astronauts Centre of China (ACC). ISPR said the evaluations were conducted in accordance with internationally recognized human spaceflight standards.
Both candidates will now begin six months of advanced training at the ACC. Following this phase, one astronaut will be chosen to participate in a space mission aboard the Chinese Space Station (CSS), which is planned for October or November 2026.
The development follows the signing of a bilateral Astronaut Cooperation Agreement between Pakistan and China in February 2025. ISPR noted that the agreement was finalized under the leadership of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, whose support played a key role in enabling the country’s entry into human spaceflight.
China’s government has also extended strong backing to the initiative, selecting Pakistan as the first foreign partner in its astronaut programme. The collaboration forms part of China’s medium-term planning framework for its space station operations.
Earlier, a spokesperson for the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) confirmed that preparations for the secondary selection phase are in progress, including training schedules, educational materials, equipment arrangements, and logistical support for the astronauts during their stay in China.
During the mission, the selected astronaut will take part in routine space station duties and carry out scientific experiments representing Pakistan, the CMSA spokesperson said.
The partnership is being hailed as a historic achievement in Pakistan-China relations, highlighting deepening cooperation in science, technology, and space exploration..
After an initial screening carried out domestically, two Pakistani candidates advanced to the next stage, undergoing rigorous medical, psychological, and aptitude assessments at China’s Astronauts Centre of China (ACC). ISPR said the evaluations were conducted in accordance with internationally recognized human spaceflight standards.
Both candidates will now begin six months of advanced training at the ACC. Following this phase, one astronaut will be chosen to participate in a space mission aboard the Chinese Space Station (CSS), which is planned for October or November 2026.
The development follows the signing of a bilateral Astronaut Cooperation Agreement between Pakistan and China in February 2025. ISPR noted that the agreement was finalized under the leadership of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, whose support played a key role in enabling the country’s entry into human spaceflight.
China’s government has also extended strong backing to the initiative, selecting Pakistan as the first foreign partner in its astronaut programme. The collaboration forms part of China’s medium-term planning framework for its space station operations.
Earlier, a spokesperson for the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) confirmed that preparations for the secondary selection phase are in progress, including training schedules, educational materials, equipment arrangements, and logistical support for the astronauts during their stay in China.
During the mission, the selected astronaut will take part in routine space station duties and carry out scientific experiments representing Pakistan, the CMSA spokesperson said.
The partnership is being hailed as a historic achievement in Pakistan-China relations, highlighting deepening cooperation in science, technology, and space exploration.
