The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has crossed a key milestone in the country’s Human Spaceflight Programme with the successful completion of the secondary phase of astronaut candidate selection, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.
According to the military’s media wing, two candidates were shortlisted after an initial screening in Pakistan and subsequently undergoing comprehensive medical, psychological and aptitude assessments at the Astronauts Centre of China (ACC), in accordance with international human spaceflight standards.
The shortlisted candidates will now undergo six months of advanced astronaut training at the ACC. Upon completion of the programme, one of them will be selected for a spaceflight mission to the Chinese Space Station (CSS), scheduled for October or November 2026.
The cooperation is based on the bilateral Astronaut Cooperation Agreement signed in February 2025 under the leadership of the prime minister, aimed at enabling Pakistan’s participation in human spaceflight.
ISPR said the initiative also reflects Beijing’s support, noting that Pakistan has been chosen as the first foreign partner in China’s astronaut programme as part of its medium-term planning and cooperation framework for the space station.
Earlier, a spokesperson for the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said preparations for the secondary selection phase were already under way, including the development of training programmes, instructional materials, equipment setup and logistical arrangements for the candidates.
During the mission, the selected astronaut will take part in routine space station operations and carry out scientific experiments on behalf of Pakistan.
The collaboration marks a significant step forward in the Pakistan-China partnership and highlights expanding cooperation between the two countries in science, technology and space exploration.
