Pakistan has begun the selection process for its first-ever crewed space mission, which is expected to take place aboard China’s Tiangong Space Station, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), citing a spokesperson from the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

In an interview with APP, CMSA spokesperson Lin Xiqiang explained that the astronaut selection will be conducted in three phases: the initial round will be held in Pakistan, while the secondary and final phases will take place in China.

He confirmed that the chosen Pakistani astronaut will participate in a joint spaceflight mission as a payload specialist, conducting scientific research on behalf of Pakistan.

During a recent meeting with a delegation from Chinese space tech firm Galaxy Space, PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to advancing its space technology sector and praised China as the country’s most dependable and strategic partner.

The selected Pakistani astronauts will undergo training at China’s Astronaut Centre, marking Pakistan as the first foreign country to take part in China’s space station training programme. The full selection process is expected to conclude by 2026.

Pakistan’s national space agency, SUPARCO, has invited proposals for scientific experiments to be carried out aboard the Chinese space station, aiming to enhance the mission’s scientific value.

China’s space programme has seen significant progress in recent years, with achievements including the successful operation of the Tiangong space station and lunar sample-return missions.

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