ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to send its first astronaut to space under a landmark human spaceflight collaboration with China, marking a historic entry into an exclusive group of nations with active crewed space programmes. According to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), two astronaut candidates — Khurram Daud and Muhammad Zeeshan Ali — have been selected and dispatched to China for advanced training as part of the mission preparation. The development represents a major milestone in Pakistan’s space journey, as the country prepares for its first-ever participation in a mission aboard the China Space Station, expected by the end of 2026. One of the Pakistani candidates will serve as a payload specialist during the Shenzhou mission, conducting a series of scientific experiments in microgravity. READ ALSO: Suparco shortlists two Astronauts for China Space Station Mission Officials said the planned experiments will cover critical fields including material science, fluid physics, life sciences, and biotechnology. The outcomes are expected to contribute to research on climate change mitigation, food security, and industrial innovation. The initiative places Pakistan among a limited number of countries actively engaging in human spaceflight programmes, significantly expanding its role beyond satellite development into advanced space exploration. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised SUPARCO’s progress in advancing deep space research and termed the mission a reflection of the enduring Pakistan–China strategic partnership. He noted that Pakistan’s inclusion in the human spaceflight programme underscores the depth of bilateral ties and represents a practical manifestation of the longstanding cooperation between the two countries. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
China space programme: Two Pakistani astronauts selected as candidates
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