Pakistan's First Astronaut Joins China's Shenzhou-24 Mission

Beijing has announced the inclusion of a Pakistani specialist in the Shenzhou-24 mission. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) prioritized a representative from Pakistan among foreign candidates for the mission, making it the first instance in history where a foreign citizen will visit the Chinese space station. This collaboration is part of bilateral agreements and the global Belt and Road Initiative. While the exact launch date and the name of the selected astronaut remain confidential, the launch is expected by the end of the current year.

Training Program

The main contenders for the flight are Pakistani Air Force pilots Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Dawood, who have been undergoing intensive training at the China Astronaut Research and Training Center in Beijing for several months. The training program includes not only complex operational and technical skills but also an in-depth study of the Chinese language, essential for effectively managing the station's system interfaces. According to reports from China Central Television, after completing a short-term program in orbit, the crew will return to Earth aboard the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft.

Future Collaborations

The intergovernmental agreement for training Pakistani astronauts under Beijing's guidance was signed in February of last year. This agreement is a logical continuation of the strategic partnership, as China remains Pakistan's largest trading partner and leading investor. The collaboration between the two countries extends beyond low Earth orbit, with the CNSA planning to deliver Pakistan's first lunar rover, Jinnah-1, to the Moon. The 35 kg rover is equipped with specialized scientific instruments to study the composition of lunar soil, plasma behavior, and measure radiation levels. These steps are part of a broader strategy by China, aiming to land its astronauts on the Moon by 2030 and catch up with its main competitor, the USA.