Pakistan’s SUPARCO Achieves Key Milestone in Human Spaceflight Programme
Two Candidates Shortlisted for Training in China; One to Join Mission to Chinese Space Station in Late 2026Islamabad, February 7, 2026 — Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has reached a significant milestone in the country’s Human Spaceflight Programme, with two Pakistani candidates successfully shortlisted following advanced assessments in China, the Inter-Services Public…
Two Candidates Shortlisted for Training in China; One to Join Mission to Chinese Space Station in Late 2026
Islamabad, February 7, 2026 — Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has reached a significant milestone in the country’s Human Spaceflight Programme, with two Pakistani candidates successfully shortlisted following advanced assessments in China, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Saturday.
After an initial screening process conducted in Pakistan, the two candidates underwent comprehensive medical, psychological, and aptitude evaluations at the Astronauts Centre of China (ACC) in line with international human spaceflight standards.
The shortlisted candidates will now begin six months of advanced astronaut training at the ACC. Upon successful completion of the programme, one will be selected to participate in a spaceflight mission aboard China’s Tiangong space station in October or November 2026.
The collaboration is based on the bilateral Astronaut Cooperation Agreement signed in February 2025 between SUPARCO and the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The ISPR highlighted that China selected Pakistan as the first foreign partner in its astronaut programme, underscoring strong bilateral ties and Beijing’s support for Islamabad’s entry into human space exploration.
Prime Minister Sharif’s vision and backing were credited with making Pakistan’s participation in manned spaceflight possible. The mission will mark a historic step for Pakistan in space science, technology, and international cooperation.
