Pakistan Plans to Send First Astronaut to Space

Pakistan has announced plans to send its first astronaut to space by 2026.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal confirmed that the mission is being prepared in partnership with China. He said the goal is to make Pakistan part of human spaceflight and scientific research.

Pakistan’s space agency SUPARCO has signed an agreement with China’s manned space agency. The cooperation covers training, research, and flight under the human space programme.

This partnership gives Pakistan direct access to advanced space facilities. It also builds stronger scientific ties between the two countries.

Two Pakistani candidates will receive astronaut training in China. They will train at the Astronaut Centre of China, learning advanced space operations.

From these two, one will be selected as a payload specialist. The chosen astronaut will represent Pakistan in the upcoming mission.

The selection process began earlier this year and will continue until 2026. After selection, the astronaut will join a mission to the Chinese space station.

There, he will perform experiments across many fields. Research areas include biology, medical science, fluid mechanics, material studies, environmental science, and astronomy.

Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasised Pakistan’s determination to complete this mission by 2026. He said sending a Pakistani astronaut to space will inspire the nation.