Beijing (TDI): China has announced plans to send a Pakistani astronaut on short-term missions as part of its space station program.
The astronaut will be involved in China’s space station missions as a payload expert, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), as reported by Chinese media.
The mission is part of a medium-term cooperation plan between China and Pakistan related to China’s space station. The Pakistani astronaut will undergo training alongside Chinese astronauts, preparing to participate in the crew’s routine tasks.
Furthermore, the astronaut will conduct experiments on behalf of Pakistan, contributing to the mission’s scientific objectives.
Read More: Pakistan Seeks to Boost Space Ties with China
This collaboration follows an agreement signed in March between Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) and the CMSA, which outlined the framework for sending Pakistan’s first manned mission to China’s space station.
The agreement is seen as a significant step forward in deepening bilateral cooperation in space technology.
At that time, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the agreement, calling it “another wonderful gesture” from the Chinese government to further strengthen the partnership between the two countries in the space sector.
Read More: China to Train, Send Pakistani Astronauts into Space
He also reiterated Pakistan’s strong interest in advancing its space capabilities and highlighted China as Pakistan’s “most reliable and strategic partner.”
The cooperation reflects the growing relationship between China and Pakistan, particularly in areas such as technology, research, and development.
