A Pakistani astronaut is set to make history by joining China’s upcoming Shenzhou-24 crewed spaceflight mission. The astronaut will travel to China’s Tiangong space station as a payload specialist.
The China Manned Space Agency announced the development on November 7, 2026. The announcement marks an important milestone in Pakistan’s growing space cooperation with China.
According to the announcement, the Pakistani astronaut will become the first foreign national to visit China’s Tiangong space station. The mission will also introduce a new chapter in China’s human spaceflight programme.
The Pakistani astronaut will spend a short period in orbit before returning to Earth. The astronaut will travel back aboard the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft.
The mission will also mark China’s first joint spaceflight involving Chinese and foreign astronauts. This makes the upcoming mission significant for international cooperation in space exploration.
Pakistan’s Two Astronaut Candidates
China has not yet officially revealed the name of the Pakistani astronaut selected for the mission. However, two Pakistani candidates have completed months of specialised training.
The candidates are Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud. Both have trained at China’s astronaut training centre in Beijing.
Their selection followed a detailed three-stage assessment process. Pakistan and China agreed to cooperate on the astronaut programme through an agreement signed in Islamabad in February 2025.
Under the arrangement, one candidate will participate in the Shenzhou-24 mission. The other will remain available as a backup astronaut.
The selection process involved training and assessments to prepare candidates for spaceflight responsibilities. Their participation reflects the growing partnership between the two countries.
Pakistani Connection in Shenzhou-24 Mission Emblem
The upcoming mission also carries a special connection to Pakistan through its official emblem. The newly introduced Shenzhou-24 mission logo features Pakistan’s national flower, jasmine.
The inclusion of jasmine represents a symbolic connection between Pakistan and China. It also highlights the cooperation surrounding the upcoming space mission.
The emblem’s design adds another Pakistani element to the mission. It reflects the participation of a Pakistani astronaut in China’s human spaceflight programme.
A New Milestone for Pakistan’s Space Programme
The Shenzhou-24 mission represents a significant development for Pakistan’s involvement in international space exploration. It will provide an opportunity for a Pakistani astronaut to participate in a crewed orbital mission.
The mission also highlights the expanding cooperation between Pakistan and China in space-related activities. Both countries have continued working together through their bilateral agreements.
With one candidate preparing for the mission and another serving as backup, attention remains on the final announcement. China has yet to publicly identify the astronaut who will travel to Tiangong.
In other related news also read Pakistani Astronaut to Join China’s Upcoming Space Mission
The upcoming flight is expected to mark an important moment in Pakistan’s space exploration journey.
