Pakistan to launch country's first astronaut to Chinese space station. Here's when
Pakistan has shortlisted two astronauts for a historic mission to China's Tiangong Space Station. The mission is scheduled for October 2026 and marks a major milestone for the nation.
Pakistan is preparing to send its first citizen into orbit as the nation narrows down its final candidates for a mission to the Chinese space station.
According to a report by Dawn, Pakistan’s oldest newspaper, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has shortlisted two astronauts for the upcoming mission.
One of these individuals will travel to China’s Tiangong Space Station in October or November 2026.
This mission represents a significant milestone for international space cooperation.
It will be the first time an international astronaut resides aboard the Tiangong station. While Pakistan has previously launched satellites with Chinese assistance, this crewed mission signifies a new era in their bilateral space programme.
WHO WILL BE THE FIRST PAKISTANI IN SPACE?
The final selection comes after a rigorous process designed to identify individuals capable of handling the physical and mental demands of spaceflight.
The candidates successfully completed medical, psychological, and aptitude assessments at the Astronauts Centre of China (ACC), as reported by Dawn.
Although the names remain under wraps for now, the two shortlisted candidates will undergo intensive advanced astronaut training in China for six months.
This preparation ensures they are ready to conduct experiments and adapt to the microgravity environment of the station.
WHAT DOES THIS MISSION MEAN FOR GLOBAL SPACE TRAVEL?
China has been expanding its presence in the lunar and orbital sectors, and inviting international partners to Tiangong is a key part of its strategy. Beijing has selected Islamabad as the first foreign partner in its astronaut programme.
For Pakistan, the 2026 flight is a scientific endeavour. By securing a seat on a Chinese rocket, the country aims to join a group of nations with the capability to send humans beyond Earth's atmosphere.
HOW WILL THE MISSION WORK AT TIANGONG?
The selected astronaut will join the mission as a payload specialist. During the mission, they will work alongside the Chinese crew and conduct scientific experiments on behalf of Pakistan while performing standard crew duties.
As the countdown to late 2026 begins, the world will be watching this development in Asian space exploration.
Pakistan is preparing to send its first citizen into orbit as the nation narrows down its final candidates for a mission to the Chinese space station.
According to a report by Dawn, Pakistan’s oldest newspaper, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has shortlisted two astronauts for the upcoming mission.
One of these individuals will travel to China’s Tiangong Space Station in October or November 2026.
This mission represents a significant milestone for international space cooperation.
It will be the first time an international astronaut resides aboard the Tiangong station. While Pakistan has previously launched satellites with Chinese assistance, this crewed mission signifies a new era in their bilateral space programme.
WHO WILL BE THE FIRST PAKISTANI IN SPACE?
The final selection comes after a rigorous process designed to identify individuals capable of handling the physical and mental demands of spaceflight.
The candidates successfully completed medical, psychological, and aptitude assessments at the Astronauts Centre of China (ACC), as reported by Dawn.
Although the names remain under wraps for now, the two shortlisted candidates will undergo intensive advanced astronaut training in China for six months.
This preparation ensures they are ready to conduct experiments and adapt to the microgravity environment of the station.
WHAT DOES THIS MISSION MEAN FOR GLOBAL SPACE TRAVEL?
China has been expanding its presence in the lunar and orbital sectors, and inviting international partners to Tiangong is a key part of its strategy. Beijing has selected Islamabad as the first foreign partner in its astronaut programme.
For Pakistan, the 2026 flight is a scientific endeavour. By securing a seat on a Chinese rocket, the country aims to join a group of nations with the capability to send humans beyond Earth's atmosphere.
HOW WILL THE MISSION WORK AT TIANGONG?
The selected astronaut will join the mission as a payload specialist. During the mission, they will work alongside the Chinese crew and conduct scientific experiments on behalf of Pakistan while performing standard crew duties.
As the countdown to late 2026 begins, the world will be watching this development in Asian space exploration.