Pakistan to Launch First Astronaut into Space in 2026 with China’s Support
In a historic announcement, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal confirmed that Pakistan will send its first astronaut to the Chinese space station by 2026. The declaration was made during his official visit to China, where discussions focused on deepening cooperation in space exploration, nuclear energy, and scientific innovation between the two long-standing allies.
The move is part of Pakistan’s renewed push in the space sector, aligning space research with the country’s broader national development goals. Senior officials from both countries held high-level meetings to ensure that future joint projects directly benefit Pakistan’s technological and economic growth. Wikipedia
China, which has become a global leader in space exploration, pledged full support for Pakistan’s ambitions. The cooperation will include training Pakistani astronauts, sharing scientific expertise, and assisting with space infrastructure development.
Chinese officials noted that this collaboration marks a transition from traditional military-strategic ties to technological partnerships, emphasizing mutual advancement in cutting-edge fields.
As part of its long-term vision, Pakistan has also set a goal to land a mission on the Moon by 2035. This is a major leap from previous efforts and signals the country’s intention to become a recognized player in the global space community.
China’s Role in Training and Launching Astronaut
China’s growing role in international space cooperation has already been seen with missions involving countries like Russia and the UAE. Now, Pakistan is set to join the list of nations sending astronauts into orbit via China’s space station, Tiangong. CNN Report
The announcement has sparked excitement in Pakistan’s scientific community. It’s viewed not only as a major technological achievement, but also as an inspiration for the youth to pursue careers in space science and innovation.
Pak-China Technology Ties on the Rise
Pakistan and China have long maintained close relations under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). With this new venture into space, the partnership is expanding into more futuristic domains.
Experts believe that by joining China’s space efforts, Pakistan will gain access to advanced satellite systems, communication technology, and possibly future roles in international space missions. DAWN
The first Pakistani astronaut’s journey into space—expected within the next year—will mark a defining moment in Pakistan’s scientific history. It promises to open doors to a range of new opportunities in aerospace, education, and international collaboration.
With this bold step and continued Chinese support, Pakistan’s space journey is entering a new and exciting phase—one that aims to elevate the country’s status among spacefaring nations in the decades to come.
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