In a landmark development for its human spaceflight ambitions, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) on April 22 announced that two Pakistani astronaut candidates will depart for advanced training in China, marking the country’s first concrete step toward participation in a manned space mission.
Khurram Daud and Muhammad Zeeshan Ali have been selected to undergo rigorous preparation at the Astronaut Centre of China (ACC) under a bilateral cooperation framework with the China National Space Administration. The initiative paves the way for Pakistan’s planned involvement in a mission to the China Space Station, currently targeted for launch in late 2026.
Under the program, one Pakistani astronaut is expected to serve as a payload expert aboard the mission, conducting a range of scientific experiments in microgravity. These will focus on material science, fluid physics, life sciences, and biotechnology, with potential applications in climate resilience, food security, and industrial development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the development as a milestone for Pakistan’s scientific and technological progress, commending SUPARCO’s efforts and highlighting the enduring strategic partnership between Pakistan and China. He described the collaboration as a testament to the “ironclad” bilateral relationship and noted Pakistan’s inclusion among a select group of nations engaged in human spaceflight.
SUPARCO Chairman Muhammad Yousaf Khan termed the development a “highly significant and historic moment” for the national space program. He said the human spaceflight initiative is a key pillar of Pakistan’s long-term space ambitions, adding that the selected candidates would undergo intensive and specialized training before one is chosen for the mission.
“Upon completion of training, one of the candidates will, Insha’Allah, travel to space alongside Chinese astronauts,” Khan said, expressing gratitude to China for extending the opportunity.
Astronaut candidate Muhammad Zeeshan Ali (left) astronaut candidate Khurram Daud (right). [Photo/SUPARCO]
Speaking ahead of departure, astronaut candidate Khurram Daud described his selection as an honor and pledged full commitment to the demanding training process. Fellow candidate Muhammad Zeeshan Ali said the training would include microgravity and reduced-gravity simulations.
