Pakistan is preparing to send its first astronaut into space, as Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal confirmed that the country space program will achieve this milestone by 2026.
The mission is being developed under a partnership between Pakistan’s national space agency SUPARCO and China’s manned space program. Two Pakistani candidates have already been shortlisted for astronaut training at China’s astronaut center. From these, one will be chosen as a scientific payload specialist.
The training and selection process, which started this year, is expected to finish by 2026. The selected astronaut will then travel to China’s space station to carry out scientific work.
READ MORE: Pakistan to Select Two Astronauts for First Manned Space Mission with China
According to officials, the astronaut will be involved in research across several areas, including medicine, biology, materials science, astronomy, and environmental studies.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the project represents a major step forward in Pakistan’s space journey and reflects the government’s commitment to advancing science and technology.
