In a groundbreaking development for Pakistan’s space ambitions, a Pakistani astronaut is set to become the first foreign visitor to China’s Tiangong Space Station, marking a historic milestone in international space collaboration. This comes as part of a landmark cooperation agreement between the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) and Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), signed in Islamabad on February 28, 2025.
A New Era in Space Exploration 
The agreement, witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, paves the way for Pakistan’s first astronaut to fly to space, making history not only for the country but also for the China Space Station (CSS) as it welcomes its first-ever non-Chinese astronaut.
The astronaut selection process will take about a year, after which the chosen candidates will undergo comprehensive spaceflight training in China. The selected astronaut will join a future Chinese mission aboard Tiangong and conduct scientific research in space.
Pakistan’s Space Milestone 
Until now, the highest altitude reached by a Pakistani was 87.4 km, achieved by Namira Salim during a suborbital Virgin Galactic flight in 2023. However, this upcoming mission will send a Pakistani astronaut beyond the Kármán line (100 km), officially into outer space, achieving orbital flight for the first time in the nation’s history.
China’s Expanding Space Cooperation 
China has consistently expressed interest in international collaboration on space missions, and this agreement signals a new phase in global partnerships. The Tiangong Space Station, launched in 2021, is one of the most advanced space structures orbiting Earth and is expected to operate for at least a decade.
China has previously trained European astronauts, but this will be the first time a foreign astronaut actually visits the station, setting a new precedent for space diplomacy.
Why This Matters 
This agreement not only strengthens Pakistan-China ties but also opens doors for other developing nations to collaborate in space exploration. The mission will provide valuable scientific insights, inspire future generations, and enhance Pakistan’s role in the global space community.
As NASA prepares to retire the ISS by 2030, the China Space Station is set to become a critical hub for international space research and human spaceflight. Pakistan’s participation marks a significant step forward in its space ambitions and highlights the potential for future international partnerships in space exploration.
