Pakistan Prepares to Send First Astronaut to Space by 2026
Ahsan Iqbal, the federal minister for planning, has announced that Pakistan is set to send its first astronauts into space next year. This groundbreaking initiative is part of a collaboration between Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and China’s manned space agency under a human spaceflight program.
Astronaut Selection and Training
Two Pakistani candidates will undergo training at China’s astronaut center, with one ultimately selected as a scientific payload specialist. The selection process began this year and is expected to conclude by 2026. The chosen astronaut will travel to China’s space station, where they will conduct a series of scientific experiments.
Areas of Research
The experiments will span multiple disciplines, including biology, medical sciences, fluid mechanics, materials research, environmental studies, and astronomy.
A Significant Milestone for Pakistan’s Space Program
Minister Iqbal emphasized the importance of the program, highlighting that it will be a major milestone in Pakistan’s space exploration efforts. He confirmed that Pakistan is committed to sending its first astronaut to the Chinese space station by 2026, marking a new chapter in the country’s involvement in space exploration.
