Pakistan has come close to sending its citizen into space for the first time in history, and the name of the country’s first astronaut is expected to be announced in October.
Preparations are underway for an important mission to China’s Tiangong Space Station, for which two Pakistani candidates have been undergoing rigorous training in China for several months. According to APP, Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Dawood are receiving training at the China Astronaut Research and Training Centre based in Beijing.
Both candidates are studying the Chinese language as well as various systems of the spacecraft. They are also being given practical training in eating, sleeping and repairing equipment in zero-gravity conditions in space. Both candidates are also being trained in a centrifuge. They are experienced military pilots and have experience tolerating high G-forces.
Only one Pakistani astronaut will go into space
Only one of Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Dawood will ultimately be selected for the space mission. The selected astronaut will spend approximately one week at China’s Tiangong Space Station, where he will complete four biotechnology experiments developed by Pakistani universities. These experiments are related to important topics such as food security and climate change.
When will the mission launch?
The Pakistani astronaut is expected to be sent into space aboard China’s Shenzhou-24 spacecraft. The mission is expected to launch in late October 2026 or in November 2026.
Pakistan currently does not have its own launch vehicle, so the mission will be carried out through China’s space programme. If the mission proceeds according to the planned schedule, it will be a historic milestone in Pakistan’s space journey.
Expanding the scope of space cooperation with China
Space cooperation between Pakistan and China is not limited to this mission. The two countries are also cooperating on various space projects in the future.
As part of this cooperation, a plan to send a Pakistani lunar rover to the surface of the Moon through the Chang’e-8 mission around 2028 is also included.
Thus, the announcement in October will not be limited to the selection of one astronaut but will represent an important stage in Pakistan’s journey of space research.