Islamabad (Web Desk): Preparations are underway to send Pakistan’s first astronaut into space from a Chinese space centre on November 25, 2026. The mission is being described as a significant development that could create new opportunities for scientific research and advancement in Pakistan’s space sector.
For the mission, two Pakistani pilots, Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Dawood, have undergone specialised space training in China after completing rigorous medical, psychological and technical assessments. One of the two pilots will be selected for the mission and will represent Pakistan aboard China’s space station.
The objective of the mission is not limited to travelling into space; it also includes conducting scientific experiments there. These experiments will involve biotechnology and life sciences research, which is expected to help improve understanding of future challenges such as food shortages and climate change.
Cooperation between Pakistan and China in the space sector began in February 2025 through an agreement covering astronaut training and space missions. Under this partnership, Pakistan’s human spaceflight programme is now approaching the implementation stage.
Pakistan’s space ambitions are not limited to spaceflight. The country has also set a target of reaching the Moon by 2035. In this regard, Pakistan and China are working on a Pakistani-built lunar rover, which is planned to be sent to the Moon in the future through China’s Chang’e-8 mission.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has also announced plans to establish Pakistan’s first space museum at the University of Narowal. The initiative aims to promote young people’s interest in science, space exploration and modern technology.
The mission scheduled for November 25 could prove to be more than just a spaceflight for Pakistan; it may mark an important step towards scientific advancement, research and the country’s future space programmes.