Stronger partnership with China in space technology

April 23, 2025

Pakistan is aiming to strengthen its cooperation with China in the field of space technology, signalling a major shift in its national priorities. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently told a visiting delegation of China’s Galaxy Space that Pakistan was keen to explore joint ventures in satellite development, space communication, and satellite-based internet. The Chinese company, known for its progress in low-earth orbit satellite technology, expressed strong interest in investing in Pakistan’s space sector.

The meeting showed Pakistan’s growing focus on space science as the prime minister called China Pakistan’s “most reliable and strategic partner” in this journey. The PM’s Office said Pakistan was giving top priority to expanding space-based services and ensuring modern internet coverage in far-flung areas through satellite technology.

In recent years, China has become a global leader in space technology. With projects like the Tiangong Space Station, BeiDou satellite system, and reusable rocket systems, China has set examples of innovation and long-term planning. Pakistan now hopes to benefit from this experience by partnering on key space-related missions and building its own capabilities.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a historic step forward – Pakistan will send its first astronaut to China’s space station (CSS). Under an agreement with China, two Pakistani astronauts will be trained at the Astronaut Centre of China. One will be selected as a scientific payload specialist, trained to carry out experiments aboard the CSS. This mission is expected to be ready by 2026 and will allow Pakistan to take part in advanced research in medicine, physics, aerospace, and environmental sciences.

In April 2024, the government also introduced the National Space Activities Rules, which are meant to guide and regulate all space activities in Pakistan and abroad, especially if carried out using Pakistani vessels or by Pakistan-based companies. These rules give the National Space Agency (NSA) the authority to form agreements with foreign operators and handle the use of foreign satellite data within the country.

NSA officials confirmed that several international companies, including Galaxy Space, have begun collecting information about Pakistan’s internet and telecom market. Galaxy Space is exploring opportunities to introduce satellite-based internet in Pakistan, which could help bridge the digital divide in rural and underdeveloped areas.

Globally, satellite internet is fast becoming an alternative to traditional internet infrastructure, especially in regions where laying fibre optic cables is difficult or expensive. Companies like Starlink, Amazon, Oneweb, and Galaxy Space are leading efforts to provide fast internet via low-earth orbit satellites.

Pakistan’s new focus on space is not just about science—it is about national development. If implemented successfully, this cooperation with China could open a new chapter in Pakistan’s technological growth and allow the country to keep pace with global advancements in space science and communication.