China Selects Two Pakistanis for Astronaut Training for Space Station Mission

In a landmark development for global space collaboration, China has selected two Pakistani candidates Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud to join its human spaceflight programme, marking the first time foreign astronauts will be trained for a mission aboard the Tiangong space station . The announcement by the China Manned Space Agency highlights Beijing’s growing push to expand its space programme beyond national borders.

The two candidates, chosen after rigorous multi-stage screening involving medical, psychological, and technical evaluations , are expected to begin training in China soon. Both are believed to have strong backgrounds in engineering and space sciences , making them suitable for specialised astronaut roles. Their selection follows a bilateral agreement between China and Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, formalised in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aimed at developing joint human spaceflight capabilities.

Unlike traditional astronauts who pilot spacecraft, the Pakistani candidates will be trained as payload specialists , focusing on scientific research and experiment execution in space . Their role places them within the space science and research operations domain , where they will conduct experiments in areas such as material science, fluid physics, and biotechnology aboard Tiangong. This makes them central to advancing scientific knowledge rather than spacecraft navigation.

Training under the China Manned Space Agency will be intensive and multi-dimensional , covering physical endurance, psychological conditioning, and survival techniques. The candidates will also receive detailed instruction in Shenzhou spacecraft systems , life-support operations, and emergency protocols. A key component of their preparation will involve microgravity adaptation , including simulations of weightlessness and underwater exercises designed to replicate space conditions.

Crucially, the training will emphasise scientific experiment handling , equipping the candidates to manage laboratory equipment, conduct precise research tasks, and analyse data in orbit. They will also participate in full mission simulations and crew coordination exercises , ensuring seamless integration with Chinese astronauts during the mission. Language training in Mandarin will further support communication and operational efficiency onboard.

One of the two candidates will eventually be selected to fly as a payload specialist, becoming the first foreign astronaut to board Tiangong , which orbits Earth at approximately 400 kilometres altitude. The mission is expected to contribute to research with potential applications in climate science, agriculture, and advanced industrial technologies .

China’s move to include Pakistani astronauts reflects a broader strategy to position Tiangong as an alternative platform for international space cooperation , particularly after its exclusion from the International Space Station programme. By opening its space station to partner nations, China is building a new ecosystem of collaboration in human spaceflight.

For Pakistan, the initiative represents a historic step into human space exploration , offering opportunities to enhance its scientific capabilities and technological expertise. As the two nations deepen their partnership, the mission signals a shift toward a more multipolar and inclusive future in space exploration , where emerging countries play a greater role alongside established space powers.