A Pakistani astronaut will join China’s Shenzhou-24 mission this year, marking a historic milestone for Pakistan’s space programme. The astronaut will become the first foreign national to visit China’s Tiangong space station.
China’s Manned Space Agency confirmed that the Pakistani astronaut will participate as a payload specialist. The mission forms part of growing space cooperation between Pakistan and China under their bilateral partnership.
First Foreign Astronaut to Visit China’s Space Station
Although the agency has not revealed the astronaut’s identity, two Pakistani candidates have undergone training in China. Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud spent several months preparing at the China Astronaut Research and Training Center in Beijing.
Both candidates received training to develop practical operational skills and learn Chinese. However, officials have yet to confirm which astronaut will receive the final assignment for the upcoming flight.
The mission will also mark the first joint spaceflight involving Chinese and foreign astronauts in China’s crewed space programme. Consequently, it represents an important development in the country’s international space cooperation.
Astronaut to Return Aboard Shenzhou-23 Spacecraft
According to the announced plan, the Pakistani astronaut will undertake a short stay in orbit before returning to Earth. Interestingly, the astronaut will travel back aboard the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft rather than the vehicle used for the journey to the station.
China has not announced an exact launch date for Shenzhou-24. However, the mission is expected to take place before the end of 2026.
Pakistan and China signed a space cooperation agreement in February 2025 to support astronaut training and future missions. Under this arrangement, Pakistani astronauts will gain opportunities to participate in short-term spaceflights alongside Chinese crews.
The upcoming mission highlights expanding cooperation between both countries in science, technology and space exploration. Moreover, it will give Pakistan a historic presence aboard China’s independently operated space station.
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