Syed Saif Ul Hassan 
Oct 30, 2025
China has announced to take a Pakistani astronaut on short-term missions to the Chinese Space Station (CSS), an incredible collaboration serving as a launchpad for space scientists in Pakistan willing to explore the depths of the universe.
This initiative follows a recent agreement between Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), Reuters reported, citing China's state-backed news agency Xinhua.
Under the new Pak-China team-up, two Pakistani astronauts will receive training alongside their Chinese counterparts at the Astronaut Centre of China.
One of these astronauts will be chosen to serve as a payload specialist on a scientific mission to the CSS.
Launched in April this year, this training programme aims to prepare the selected astronaut for conducting advanced research in areas like biology, medical sciences, aerospace, and ecology.
It was also highlighted that the CSS is equipped with cutting-edge technologies to facilitate a range of scientific experiments, potentially leading to breakthroughs in medical research and environmental monitoring. This scientific research is believed to benefit life on Earth.
Besides, the two neighbouring nations have also agreed to enhance their cooperation in space sciences, focusing on astronaut training and establishing a Pakistan Space Centre as part of a five-year action plan. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the China-Pakistan partnership in space exploration, including future lunar and deep space missions.
Viewed from a wider lens, this collaboration marks a significant step for Pakistan in human spaceflight, setting the groundwork for deeper engagement in international space missions with China.
