KARACHI – In a historic leap for the nation’s space exploration, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has announced a major breakthrough in its human spaceflight program. Two Pakistani astronauts, Khurram Dawood and Mohammad Zeeshan Ali, have been selected to join China’s prestigious space program.
Key Highlights of the Mission
According to SUPARCO, this development officially places Pakistan among the active nations in the global spaceflight arena. Both astronauts have already departed for China to undergo advanced training for the upcoming mission. The mission is expected to launch in late 2026, where one Pakistani astronaut will serve as a Payload Expert aboard the Shenzhou mission. During the mission, the astronaut will be responsible for conducting various scientific experiments in a microgravity environment at the China Space Station.
Scientific Scope & Research
The mission aims to foster innovation across multiple high-tech fields. The experiments conducted in space will focus on Material Science, Fluid Physics, Life Sciences, and Biotechnology. This research is intended to tackle environmental challenges through climate change mitigation, while also developing strategies for food security and industrial innovation.
A Symbol of Pak-China Friendship
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded SUPARCO’s progress in deep space research, describing it as a proud moment for the country. He stated that Pakistan’s selection for this human spaceflight mission is a testament to the strong and eternal friendship between Pakistan and China, highlighting the deepening strategic and scientific cooperation between the two neighbors.
