China has selected two Pakistani astronauts as candidates for its space programme, marking a significant step in expanding international cooperation in human spaceflight, according to reports from state media and Reuters.
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The announcement was made by Chinese state television CCTV (China Central Television), which confirmed that both selected candidates will travel to China for training under the country’s astronaut programme. One of them is expected to be assigned to a future space mission as a payload specialist.
Two Pakistani astronauts selected as candidates for China space programme https://t.co/TuZG297Xst https://t.co/TuZG297Xst
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According to reports, only one of the two Pakistani candidates will ultimately fly to space, while the other will serve as a reserve astronaut after completing training alongside Chinese counterparts. This arrangement is part of standard selection procedures in manned space missions.
Chinese state news agency Xinhua News Agency described the selection as a “milestone achievement,” highlighting it as an example of growing international collaboration in China’s space exploration efforts.
The two selected candidates have been identified as Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Dawood. Both will undergo extensive training in China to prepare for potential participation in future missions to the Chinese space station.
If selected for flight, one of the Pakistani astronauts would become the first foreign astronaut to participate in a mission to China’s space station, reflecting Beijing’s increasing openness to international partnerships in space research and exploration.
China has been expanding its human spaceflight programme in recent years, including missions to its space station and long-term plans for deeper space exploration. The inclusion of international astronauts is seen as part of broader efforts to strengthen scientific cooperation.
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The development has been widely viewed as a symbolic milestone in Pakistan-China relations, particularly in the field of science and technology collaboration.