Pakistan has taken another small but important step toward sending its first astronaut into space. SUPARCO on Saturday confirmed that two Pakistani candidates have been shortlisted for a future mission to China’s space station, which is expected sometime in late 2026. The update was shared by ISPR as part of Pakistan’s Human Spaceflight Programme.
The process started earlier in Pakistan where several applicants went through basic screening. After that the final two were sent to China for a detailed testing at the Astronaut Centre of China. There they were checked medically, psychologically and physically to see if they could handle the tough demands of space travel.
SUPARCO said these tests followed international spaceflight standards. Now both candidates will begin around six months of advanced training in China. This will include physical conditioning, with classroom learning, simulations and other technical preparation. After completing this phase only one will be selected to fly to the Chinese Space Station in October or November next year.
This space cooperation is part of an agreement which is signed between Pakistan and China in February 2025 during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government. Under this deal, Pakistan became China’s first foreign partner in its astronaut programme something officials say reflects the close relationship between the two countries.
SUPARCO officials believe this mission could open new doors for Pakistan in science and space research. Earlier the SUPARCO Director Shafaat Ali had also mentioned that Pakistan is looking beyond just this mission and he also said that the country is working closely with China on future projects which include plans that are linked to the Moon in 2026 with support from both governments.
For many Pakistanis this marks a rare and exciting moment. If everything goes according to plan then Pakistan will finally have its own astronaut in space and this is something that once felt impossible for the country. While there is still a long way to go the 2026 mission could become a historic milestone for Pakistan.