Islamabad, April 04: Shafaat Ali, Director of the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), announced on Friday that Pakistan will send two merit-based astronauts for training in China, marking a significant milestone as the first foreign country to participate in Beijing’s space station training program.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan signed an agreement with China to train Pakistani astronauts.
The candidates will be selected based on merit, including PhD holders, experienced pilots, and graduates who meet specific physical requirements, Ali explained during an interview with a private news channel.
Ali emphasized that the collaboration with China will focus on selecting candidates with outstanding academic qualifications, relevant expertise, and adherence to physical standards.
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Initially, China had reserved astronaut training exclusively for its citizens but has now extended this opportunity to Pakistan, strengthening the bond and friendship between the two nations.
Selection Process for Aspiring Astronauts
The Suparco director outlined the rigorous three-stage selection process for aspiring astronauts, ensuring that only the most qualified candidates are chosen for training in China. The selection process is expected to be completed by 2026.
In response to a query, Ali mentioned that the mission will involve cutting-edge scientific experiments in various fields, including biological and medical sciences.
Moreover, aerospace, applied physics, fluid mechanics, space radiation, ecology, material sciences, microgravity studies, and astronomy at the CSS.
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Ali also expressed his deep gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Chinese government for providing Pakistan with this exceptional opportunity, enabling the country to make significant progress in space exploration.
