Pakistan moves closer to space as astronaut selection phase two concludes

WEB DESK: The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has achieved a major milestone in the country’s Human Spaceflight Programme by shortlisting two candidates for advanced training ahead of a planned mission to China’s Tiangong space station, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on February 7, 2026.

Following an initial screening conducted in Pakistan, the two finalists underwent rigorous medical, psychological, and aptitude evaluations at the Astronaut Centre of China (ACC) in line with global human spaceflight standards. This marks the successful completion of the secondary selection phase under the bilateral Astronaut Cooperation Agreement signed between SUPARCO and the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) in February 2025.

The shortlisted candidates will now begin six months of intensive advanced astronaut training at the ACC. Upon successful completion, one will be selected to participate as a payload specialist in a short-duration spaceflight mission aboard the Chinese Space Station (also known as Tiangong) scheduled for October or November 2026. The other candidate will serve as backup.

This collaboration represents Pakistan’s entry into human spaceflight and positions the country as the first foreign partner to send an astronaut to China’s independently operated space station. The mission will enable Pakistani scientific experiments over 300 proposals have already been shortlisted in fields like medicine, ecology, aerospace, and astronomy to be conducted in microgravity.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision and leadership were credited with facilitating this breakthrough partnership, which strengthens strategic ties between Pakistan and China in space exploration. The initiative is expected to enhance Pakistan’s capabilities in space research, technology transfer, and international scientific collaboration.

SUPARCO officials described the development as a proud moment for the nation, highlighting how it opens doors for future generations in STEM fields and contributes to global space endeavors. Details on the candidates’ identities remain undisclosed at this stage for privacy and security reasons.

As training commences, anticipation builds for Pakistan’s first astronaut to reach orbit, marking a historic step in the country’s journey toward becoming a space-faring nation.