Pakistan's first astronaut to fly on China's Tiangong space station
Two Pakistani pilots undergo intensive training for historic space mission with China
1Historic space partnership
Two Pakistani Air Force pilots, Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud, are undergoing rigorous training at China's Astronaut Research and Training Center in Beijing. This marks Pakistan's first human spaceflight program, with the selected astronaut becoming the first foreign crew member on China's Tiangong space station. The candidates were chosen for their experience with high-speed flying and ability to withstand high g-forces, critical for spaceflight.
2Comprehensive training regimen
The Pakistani astronauts-in-training are learning Mandarin, spacecraft systems, and adapting to microgravity through centrifuge drills. They're mastering essential space survival skills including eating, sleeping, and equipment repair in weightless conditions. The intensive program prepares them for a week-long mission where they'll conduct scientific experiments rather than operate the spacecraft, holding the title of 'payload specialist'.
3Scientific mission objectives
SUPARCO selected four biotechnology experiments from over 300 proposals submitted by Pakistani universities. These experiments focus on combating food insecurity and climate change impacts. All equipment undergoes testing in SUPARCO labs before Chinese approval. The research complements Tiangong's existing portfolio of 180+ experiments that have yielded 500 research papers and 150 patents.
4Technical specifications
The Tiangong space station consists of three modules totaling 77 metric tons, housing approximately 14 experiment racks across various scientific disciplines. These include life sciences, materials research, fluid physics, combustion studies, and radiation exposure analysis. The Pakistani astronaut will work within this advanced laboratory environment during their mission.
5Logistical arrangements
The selected astronaut will launch directly from China without returning to Pakistan beforehand, using Chinese spacecraft and launch facilities. Post-mission, they'll undergo a recovery period in China before returning home. They'll share the return journey with two Chinese crew members from the May 2026 expedition, while the third remains for year-long physiological studies.
6Broader bilateral cooperation
This mission extends beyond human spaceflight, representing the latest development in China-Pakistan space collaboration that includes satellite launches and joint navigation systems. The partnership aligns with China's Belt and Road Initiative, with future plans including a Pakistani-built rover on China's Chang'e 8 lunar mission around 2028.
7Selection timeline
While China hasn't announced the final astronaut selection or mission date, SUPARCO officials expect the decision by mid-to-late October 2026. The two candidates have been training since their 2019 selection, with SUPARCO providing unprecedented details about the program to international media for the first time.
8Strategic significance
This mission elevates Pakistan's space capabilities through technology transfer and joint research opportunities. It demonstrates China's growing space diplomacy by incorporating international partners into its space station program. The collaboration provides Pakistan access to advanced space research without developing independent launch capabilities.