WEBDESK (Azaad English): Pakistan is set to send its first Pakistani astronaut into space through a collaboration with China through a recent agreement between Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). The document was signed at Islamabad in the presence of Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif.
Through this agreement Pakistani astronauts will receive training at the Astronaut Centre of China with two specific candidates. Training completion at the Astronaut Centre of China will lead to the selection of one astronaut for Tiangong space station missions. Selection of an astronaut aiming to serve as a scientific payload specialist will finalize by 2026.
Scientific Research in Space by Pakistani Astronaut
The Pakistani astronaut will perform scientific investigations focused on medical sciences, aerospace, physics, space radiation, ecology and astronomy when he occupies a position on the Chinese Space Station (CSS). The conducted experiments will push forward space technology development while creating findings that apply to Earth-based life.
Strengthening Pakistan China Space Cooperation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared this agreement to represent a milestone for Pakistan’s developing space program. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the leadership of China by noting that the partnership demonstrates the strong relations between the two countries. The government of Pakistan credits China for its assistance which led to the CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) transformation of national economic conditions.
The signing of this agreement by Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal will lead to stronger technology and spaceflight research possibilities for Pakistan. According to him this collaborative partnership aims to accomplish spaceship objectives alongside astronaut training.
Dr. Lin Xiqiang as CMSA Director General showed enthusiasm to develop work with Pakistan. The partnership demonstrates the long-standing friendship linking China and Pakistan and will result in joint sharing of space exploration expertise.
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