Islamabad, April 22, 2026: Pakistan marked a major milestone in its space exploration ambitions on Wednesday as the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) announced that two selected astronaut candidates will travel to China for advanced training under a landmark human spaceflight collaboration.
The two candidates, Khurram Daud and Muhammad Zeeshan Ali, are set to depart for the Astronaut Centre of China, where they will undergo specialised preparation for Pakistan’s first participation in a manned space mission.
According to a statement shared by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the development represents a “significant step forward” in Pakistan’s space journey and places the country among a select group of nations engaged in human spaceflight programmes.
Under the bilateral cooperation framework, Pakistan is preparing for its first-ever participation in a mission to the China Space Station (CSS), currently scheduled for launch in late 2026.
A Pakistani astronaut will serve as a Payload Expert aboard the mission, which has been named the “Shenzhen mission,” where he will conduct scientific experiments in microgravity conditions.
These experiments will focus on key areas including material science, fluid physics, life sciences, and biotechnology, with expected applications in climate resilience, food security, and industrial innovation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the development, praising SUPARCO’s efforts and describing the mission as a symbol of Pakistan’s expanding scientific capabilities.
He also highlighted the “ironclad Pakistan-China brotherhood,” stating that Pakistan’s selection for participation reflects strong bilateral trust and cooperation in advanced scientific fields.
The announcement follows months of structured astronaut selection and training. Earlier this year, SUPARCO completed the second phase of its astronaut candidate selection process, after which two candidates were shortlisted following rigorous medical, psychological, and aptitude evaluations conducted at the Chinese astronaut training facility.
The collaboration is based on a bilateral astronaut cooperation agreement signed in February 2025, which enabled Pakistan’s inclusion in a joint human spaceflight initiative.
Officials say the agreement reflects a long-term strategic vision to develop Pakistan’s presence in space science and technology.
Experts view the development as a turning point for Pakistan’s scientific and technological ambitions, marking its entry into human spaceflight—a field previously dominated by a small number of spacefaring nations.
SUPARCO officials described the mission as a foundation for future exploration programmes, with potential spillover benefits for research, innovation, and industrial development in Pakistan.
If successfully executed, the 2026 mission will mark Pakistan’s first human presence in space, opening a new chapter in the country’s scientific history.
