A giant leap for science

September 29, 2026

The country is moving closer to sending its first astronaut into space, marking a significant milestone in the country’s scientific and technological journey. The training of two Pakistani pilots in China for a potential mission aboard the Tiangong space station reflects the growing strength of bilateral cooperation and offers an encouraging opportunity to advance Pakistan’s space programme.

Pilots Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud are undergoing intensive training at China’s astronaut research and training centre in Beijing. Their preparation includes learning Mandarin, studying spacecraft systems and undertaking centrifuge exercises to withstand the physical demands of spaceflight. A final decision on the astronaut who will represent Pakistan is expected in mid-to-late October, according to Amer Gilani, who oversees human spaceflight cooperation at SUPARCO.

The selected astronaut will become the first Pakistani to travel to space and the first foreign astronaut invited by China to visit its Tiangong space station. This achievement would be a source of national pride and an important step towards expanding Pakistan’s participation in international space research.

More importantly, the mission offers an opportunity to strengthen Pakistan’s scientific capabilities. The astronaut will serve as a payload specialist, conducting scientific experiments developed by Pakistani researchers. SUPARCO has received more than 300 proposals from universities in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, with four projects selected by Chinese institutions. These include biotechnology research addressing challenges related to food security and climate change.

Pakistan’s space cooperation with China has already resulted in satellite launches, navigation initiatives and plans for a Pakistani lunar rover aboard China’s Chang’e 8 mission, expected around 2028. These developments demonstrate the potential of sustained scientific collaboration.

However, this promising achievement must also encourage greater domestic investment in research, higher education, engineering and advanced technology. Pakistan cannot rely indefinitely on foreign expertise and infrastructure to pursue its ambitions in space. The government should strengthen SUPARCO, support universities and provide young scientists with opportunities to contribute to national research.