Two Pakistani astronauts will receive training alongside Chinese astronauts, and one of them will be selected to participate in a short-duration spaceflight mission as a payload specialist, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced on Thursday.
Xinhua news agency reported that the selection process began following a cooperation agreement signed between China and Pakistan in February 2025.
According to CMSA spokesperson Zhang Jingbo, the process mirrors that of Chinese astronaut recruitment and consists of three stages — preliminary selection, a second round, and a final selection.
The initial screening is being conducted in Pakistan, while subsequent rounds will take place in China. Preparations for the next phase are already underway, including the development of training programs, teaching materials, and logistical arrangements.
After final selection, both Pakistani astronauts will train with Chinese crews. One will then be chosen to join a short-term mission aboard China’s manned space program, performing scientific experiments for Pakistan and participating in regular crew operations.
Zhang said China’s space program is guided by the principles of peaceful use, equality, and mutual benefit, and that the country continues to promote international cooperation in space exploration. “We welcome our global counterparts to join the flight missions of the Chinese space station,” he added.
