In a landmark development, China has signed an agreement with Pakistan to send a Pakistani astronaut to the Tiangong space station, making history as the first foreign national aboard the Chinese space facility. The agreement was formalized in Islamabad in the presence of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, officials from the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), and Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).
Astronaut Selection & Training Underway
According to the CMSA, both nations will work together to select and train a Pakistani astronaut. The selection process is expected to take around a year, followed by intensive training in China. Once finalized, the astronaut will join Chinese taikonauts for a short-term mission aboard Tiangong.
Experts see this as a strategic move showcasing China’s growing leadership in space technology while lowering barriers for developing nations to enter space exploration.
China’s Space Station & Growing Competition with the US
China’s Tiangong space station has been operational for nearly four years and was developed after Beijing was reportedly excluded from the International Space Station (ISS) due to concerns over its military involvement in space programs. The Chinese space station is now seen as a key player in global space exploration and a competitor to the US-led ISS program.
Meanwhile, China has ambitious space goals, including plans to send astronauts to the Moon by 2030. This mission aligns with the broader China-Pakistan space partnership, which previously saw China launch Pakistani satellites, including the Badr-1 satellite in 1990 and Pakistan’s CubeSat alongside China’s Chang’e-6 probe in 2024.
A Step Towards Strengthening Space Ties
The China-Pakistan space collaboration further solidifies their strategic relationship. The upcoming mission will be a milestone for both countries, with Pakistan gaining direct participation in human spaceflight programs.
With the US aiming to return to the Moon by 2025, this new partnership highlights the evolving global space race. China’s latest move cements its role as a major player in international space cooperation, fostering opportunities for developing nations in space exploration.