Pakistan is preparing to reach a major milestone in human spaceflight, with one of its astronauts set to travel to China’s Tiangong space station. The astronaut will participate in the Shenzhou-24 mission, marking the first time a foreign astronaut visits the Chinese orbital outpost.
China’s manned space agency announced the development on Saturday, November 7. However, officials have not yet confirmed the astronaut’s identity or the mission’s exact departure date. The flight is expected to take place before the end of 2026.
Pakistan-China Space Mission Marks a Historic First
The upcoming mission represents an important development in Pakistan’s growing space cooperation with China. Under the arrangement, a Pakistani astronaut will serve as a payload specialist during a short orbital flight.
The astronaut will travel to the Tiangong space station before returning aboard the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft. The spacecraft previously docked with the Chinese space station in May 2026.
This arrangement will make the Pakistani astronaut the first foreign national to visit China’s Tiangong space station. Moreover, it highlights Beijing’s expanding international partnerships in human spaceflight.
Who Will Represent Pakistan in the Space Mission?
Chinese authorities have not identified the astronaut selected for the mission. However, Pakistan’s space agency, SUPARCO, announced two candidates in April.
Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud were selected to begin astronaut training in China. Both candidates subsequently met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who congratulated them on their selection.
The prime minister described the upcoming mission as a significant national achievement. He said the space mission was a “matter of pride for the entire nation”.
He also commended their “round-the-clock efforts” in achieving the milestone. Furthermore, Shehbaz expressed hope that the mission would “add new dimensions to the brotherly relationship between Pakistan and China”.
When Will Pakistan’s Astronaut Travel to Space?
The Chinese National Space Administration has not announced an official departure date. Nevertheless, the mission is expected to take place before the end of 2026.
Earlier in October, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal indicated a possible launch date. While addressing a ceremony, he said the space mission would take place on November 25.
However, the latest Chinese announcement did not confirm that date. Therefore, the final schedule remains subject to an official confirmation.
Pakistan and China Strengthen Their Space Cooperation
Pakistan and China formalised their astronaut cooperation programme through an agreement signed in February 2025. SUPARCO and the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) established the partnership.
Under the agreement, two Pakistani candidates would receive astronaut training in China. Subsequently, one candidate would join a mission aboard the Tiangong space station.
The partnership builds on decades of diplomatic and strategic cooperation between the two countries. China also remains Pakistan’s largest trading partner and a major foreign investor.
China’s Growing Space Ambitions
China has invested heavily in its space programme over recent years, strengthening its position alongside the United States. Beijing also aims to send astronauts to the Moon by 2030.
Meanwhile, its Tiangong space station has become an important part of its expanding human spaceflight programme. China has also pursued partnerships with other countries to broaden international participation.
Since 2011, China has remained excluded from the International Space Station programme. The United States prohibited NASA from collaborating with Chinese space agencies that year.
Consequently, Beijing has developed its own orbital infrastructure while building partnerships with countries such as Pakistan. The upcoming Shenzhou-24 mission reflects this wider strategy.
For Pakistan, the mission represents a significant opportunity to participate in international human spaceflight. It also marks a new chapter in the country’s longstanding space partnership with China.
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