ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) on Wednesday announced a “landmark advancement” in its manned space mission programme, saying two astronaut candidates will travel to China for training, according to a statement shared by SUPARCO.
Khurram Daud and Muhammad Zeeshan Ali are set to depart for the People’s Republic of China to begin advanced astronaut training at the Astronaut Centre of China (ACC), according to the statement.
The development marks “a significant step forward” in Pakistan’s space exploration journey that will place the country among a select group of nations engaged in human spaceflight programmes, as per the statement.
Under the collaboration, Pakistan is preparing for its first participation in a mission to the China Space Station (CSS), planned for launch in late 2026.
A Pakistani astronaut will serve as a payload expert aboard the Shenzhen mission, added the statement.
During the mission, the astronaut will conduct scientific experiments in microgravity across material science, fluid physics, life and bio science, and biotechnology, with potential applications for climate resilience, food security, and industrial innovation, said the statement.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended SUPARCO’s efforts and praised China-Pakistan cooperation, calling the selection of Pakistan for participation in the manned space mission a testament to the two countries’ “ironclad” ties.