Beijing, April 23, 2025: China will select and train two Pakistani astronauts for participation in future space missions, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced on Wednesday.
One of the selected astronauts is expected to serve as a payload specialist aboard an upcoming mission to China’s space station, where they will conduct scientific experiments developed in Pakistan, alongside regular onboard duties.
The announcement was made during a press briefing at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu province. CMSA spokesperson Lin Xiqiang confirmed that the initiative follows a bilateral agreement on space cooperation signed between Pakistan and China earlier this year in February.
According to Lin, the astronaut selection process is being conducted in three stages — starting with an initial screening in Pakistan, followed by further evaluations and final selections in China.
Lin also revealed that China is currently in discussions with several other countries to include foreign astronauts in future missions to its space station, as part of its efforts to promote international cooperation in space exploration.
The move marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s space ambitions and reflects the growing strategic partnership between Islamabad and Beijing in the field of science and technology.
