Pakistani astronaut Imran Malik is set to make history when they become the first foreign national to board China’s Tiangong space station following an agreement signed between China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) and Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) signed back in February 2025. Indian Today reports: At dawn today (Monday April 18) an announcement by SUPARCO confirmed this milestone event in international space cooperation.
As part of its selection process for two Pakistani astronauts, China is currently undertaking rigorous training at their Astronaut Centre; one will specialize in scientific payload research aboard Tiangong space station. Dawn Today +3 and India Today both report this development with interest;
China has made significant strides in building international partnerships for space exploration with this collaboration, marking a crucial step forward. China’s Tiangong space station was completed and launched into orbit by 2022 as an emblem of their rising capabilities since being excluded from International Space Station due to U.S. restrictions – see more at AP News (+1)
China’s space program has made rapid strides over recent missions to Mars and the far side of the moon, including recent landings on those bodies. China’s inclusion of a Pakistani astronaut aboard Tiangong underlines their dedication to international cooperation in space endeavors. For more information about China’s space efforts please refer to AP News/NDTV News/Reuters News for Dawn reports (below).
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This mission represents China and Pakistan’s strengthening ties across a number of sectors, such as science and technology. This partnership could pave the way for further space research collaborations in future.
As the world watches this historic mission take shape, it serves as an impressive demonstration of what can happen when nations unite in pursuit of knowledge and exploration beyond Earth’s confines.
China Launches Shenzhou-20 Mission to Tiangong Space Station