Pakistan to send astronaut to China's Tiangong station in 2026

A Pakistani astronaut is scheduled to board China's Tiangong space station in the second half of 2026, marking the first time a foreign national will join the station. Following the completion of the Shenzhou-23 mission, the astronaut will likely participate in the Shenzhou-24 mission as a payload expert to conduct scientific research projects for Pakistan.

Two candidates, Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud, were selected through a rigorous three-step process following a February 2025 agreement between China and Pakistan regarding astronaut training and participation. To prepare for the mission and ensure effective collaboration with Chinese crews, the candidates have undergone intensive Chinese language training.