China Begins Selection Process for Pakistani Astronauts in Landmark Space Collaboration

Islamabad/Beijing – April 23: The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) on Wednesday confirmed that the selection process for Pakistani astronauts is now underway, marking a historic step in Sino-Pak space cooperation. This follows the signing of a bilateral agreement between China and Pakistan in late February 2025.

Three-Stage Selection Process Underway

CMSA spokesperson Lin Xiqiang, speaking at a press briefing held at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China, stated that the selection process mirrors that of Chinese astronauts. It comprises three rigorous stages: preliminary, secondary, and final selection. The preliminary phase is currently being conducted in Pakistan, while the subsequent stages will take place in China.

“Ultimately, two Pakistani astronauts will be chosen to undergo professional space training in China,” Lin said.

Pakistani Astronaut to Join Joint Spaceflight Mission

According to the flight mission plan for the China Space Station, one of the selected Pakistani astronauts will participate in a future joint spaceflight mission as a payload specialist. Besides routine space duties, the astronaut will conduct scientific experiments designed by Pakistani institutions, enhancing the country’s presence in space-based research.

This collaboration is part of China’s broader initiative to expand international cooperation in space. Lin added that discussions are ongoing with several other countries for potential astronaut participation in future missions aboard the Tiangong space station.

Shenzhou-20 Launch Scheduled for Thursday

The announcement comes as China prepares to launch its Shenzhou-20 mission at 5:17 PM local time on Thursday. The mission will transport three astronauts — Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie — to Tiangong. This will be Chen Dong’s third journey to space and the first for both Chen Zhongrui, a space engineer, and Wang Jie, a former air force pilot.

Their mission includes a wide range of scientific tasks such as:

• Installing a space debris protection system

• Conducting space science experiments

• Performing extravehicular operations

• Recovering existing payload and equipment

The crew will also carry zebrafish, planarians, and streptomyces for life science experiments aboard the station. They are expected to return to Earth by late October.

Training Underway for Fourth Batch of Astronauts

CMSA further revealed that training is ongoing for the fourth batch of astronauts eligible for future Shenzhou space missions. For the first time, this group includes candidates from Hong Kong, Macau, and Pakistan.

Chinese media report that astronauts from Hong Kong and Macau could be cleared for missions as early as 2026. Pakistan’s involvement in this elite training program signals a deepening of China-Pakistan ties beyond terrestrial boundaries.

A Milestone in Space Diplomacy

This groundbreaking development not only underscores Pakistan’s entry into human spaceflight but also strengthens its strategic alliance with China. It also reflects China’s growing ambition to lead collaborative efforts in space exploration.

Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates