ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan will send its first astronaut to China’s space station in collaboration with the friendly nation.
Speaking at a ceremony after signing a cooperation agreement between the China Manned Space Agency and Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), the prime minister praised the Chinese government for taking another significant step to strengthen bilateral cooperation in space exploration.
PM Shehbaz said that “under the dynamic leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, not only the space programme is progressing speedily but also mega projects in other sectors were built in Pakistan under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which had transformed the country’s landscape.”
PM Shehbaz said that “Pakistan’s participation in the China Space Station programme reflects the deep-rooted ties between the two countries and will contribute to mutual knowledge-sharing and the broader vision of peaceful space exploration for the benefit of humanity.”
Under the agreement, China will train two Pakistani astronauts at the Astronaut Center of China. One selected astronaut will receive training as a scientific payload specialist, preparing to conduct specialized research aboard the China Space Station (CSS). Authorities will complete the astronaut selection process by 2026, aiming to send the chosen astronaut on an upcoming mission according to CSS plans.
Pakistan’s first astronaut at the China Space Station (CSS) will conduct cutting-edge scientific experiments in various fields, including biological and medical sciences, aerospace, applied physics, fluid mechanics, space radiation, ecology, material sciences, microgravity studies, and astronomy.
Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal hailed the agreement as a historic milestone, emphasizing its role in advancing technological innovation, capacity building, and research. He stated that Pakistan’s collaboration with China goes beyond astronaut training, establishing a foundation for the country’s long-term growth in human spaceflight and exploration.
Dr. Lin Xinqiang, Director General of the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in space exploration.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s involvement in the China Space Station program strengthens the deep-rooted ties between the two countries and promotes mutual knowledge-sharing, supporting the broader vision of peaceful space exploration for the benefit of humanity.
Chairman SUPARCO Mohammad Yousaf Khan hailed the agreement as a landmark in Pakistan’s space journey, highlighting perseverance, adaptability, and technological progress.
He encouraged youth, professionals, and academia to actively join Pakistan’s astronaut program and contribute to the nation’s space exploration efforts through research, innovation, and skill development.
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