Pakistan is preparing to make history in 2026 by sending its first astronaut into space, a milestone confirmed by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal. The landmark mission will be carried out under a collaboration between Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and China’s manned space agency as part of a human spaceflight program.
Two Pakistani candidates have already been shortlisted to undergo training at China’s astronaut center. Following a rigorous process, one will be selected as a scientific payload specialist to join the Chinese space station. The training began this year and will conclude by 2026, when the chosen astronaut will officially embark on Pakistan’s first space mission.
The astronaut will carry out a range of experiments in biology, medical sciences, fluid mechanics, materials research, environmental studies, and astronomy, contributing valuable insights to global scientific progress.
Minister Iqbal emphasized that this mission reflects Pakistan’s ambition to advance in science, technology, and space exploration, while also strengthening its partnership with China. He noted that sending the first astronaut into space will inspire the nation’s youth and mark a new era in Pakistan’s scientific journey.
This achievement will not only place Pakistan among the countries with human spaceflight capability but also highlight the nation’s growing role in international collaborations for space research and exploration.
