Two Pakistani astronauts will train for China’s manned space program. Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud have secured selection as candidates. This marks a major milestone for Pakistan’s space ambitions. The selection of Pakistani astronauts for space mission brings the country into an elite group. Only a handful of nations have participated in human spaceflight programs. The two candidates will soon leave for China to begin advanced training at the Astronaut Centre of China.

One of them will eventually fly as a payload specialist. That person will become the first foreign astronaut to visit China’s space station. The mission will take place in late 2026. SUPARCO confirmed the development today. The selection follows a cooperation agreement between SUPARCO and the China Manned Space Agency from February 2025. Under that agreement, two Pakistanis would receive astronaut training in China. Earlier this year, two candidates had already reached the shortlist for Pakistan’s Human Spaceflight Program.

The Pakistani astronaut for space mission will conduct scientific experiments in microgravity. These experiments will cover material science, fluid physics, life sciences, and biotechnology. The research may benefit climate resilience, food security, and industrial innovation. China continues deepening cooperation with partner countries as it expands its independent human spaceflight program. Officials described this development as a major step in Pakistan’s space journey.

China’s space station will soon host its first Pakistani visitor. The training begins now. History awaits.