Pakistan's first astronaut is set to begin a space mission from China on 25 November 2026, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said at the concluding ceremony of World Space Week in Narowal on 18 October. One of two Pakistani candidates training in China will fly, and will become the first foreign astronaut aboard China's Tiangong space station, according to China's Xinhua news agency.
What did the Planning Minister announce?
According to Radio Pakistan, Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan's first astronaut will embark on a space mission from China's space centre on 25 November. At the same event he said Pakistan aims to achieve a lunar landing by 2035. “With China’s cooperation, Pakistan will reach new heights in the field of space research,” the minister said.
He also announced plans for Pakistan's first Space Museum at the University of Narowal, to promote scientific awareness and inspire the next generation to pursue space science and technology. World Space Week 2026 was celebrated in Narowal for the first time, in collaboration with SUPARCO.
Key facts
| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Launch date | 25 November 2026, from China (Planning Minister's statement) |
| Candidates | Khurram Daud and Muhammad Zeeshan Ali; one will be selected |
| Role | Payload specialist running Pakistani scientific experiments |
| Destination | China's Tiangong space station; first foreign astronaut on board (Xinhua) |
| Time in space | About a week |
| Next goals | Pakistani lunar rover on China's Chang'e-8 (around 2028); lunar landing by 2035 |
| Budget | Rs 1.29 billion proposed for the Pakistan Manned Space Mission in the 2026-27 development budget |
Who could be Pakistan's first astronaut?
Two Pakistani candidates, Khurram Daud and Muhammad Zeeshan Ali, have been training in China, and one will be selected for the mission. ProPakistani, citing Reuters, reports that both were chosen from around 20 finalists drawn from a larger pool of Pakistani pilots and scientists. Their training has covered Chinese language lessons, spacecraft systems, and preparation for microgravity and the g-forces of launch. The sources do not yet say which of the two will fly.
What will the astronaut do in space?
Xinhua said the Pakistani astronaut will take part as a payload specialist, becoming the first foreign astronaut onboard the Tiangong space station. The selected astronaut will conduct Pakistani scientific experiments during a stay of about a week in space.
How did Pakistan get here?
Pakistan's space agency SUPARCO signed an agreement with the China Manned Space Agency in February 2025 to prepare a Pakistani astronaut for the mission. The government had earlier proposed Rs 1.29 billion for the Pakistan Manned Space Mission in the 2026-27 development budget. The two countries are also working on a Pakistani lunar rover planned for China's Chang'e-8 mission, expected around 2028, Reuters reported.
What does this mean for students?
For students interested in physics, engineering, aviation or computer science, the mission puts space science on Pakistan's national agenda: a crewed flight now, a lunar rover around 2028 and a lunar landing goal for 2035. The planned Space Museum at the University of Narowal is meant to bring that closer to students. Watch for the official announcement of the selected astronaut and the launch time, which had not been published when this article was written.
FAQs
When will Pakistan's first astronaut go to space?
On 25 November 2026, from China, according to Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal. The launch time has not been announced.
Who are the two candidates?
Khurram Daud and Muhammad Zeeshan Ali. One of them will be selected for the mission.
How long will the astronaut stay in space?
About a week, as a payload specialist running Pakistani scientific experiments.
What is Pakistan's next space goal?
The minister said Pakistan aims to achieve a lunar landing by 2035. A Pakistani lunar rover is planned for China's Chang'e-8 mission, expected around 2028.
Sources
- Radio Pakistan: Pakistan's first astronaut to embark on space mission in November 2026 (18 Oct 2026)
- The Express Tribune: Pakistan to launch first astronaut into space from China on Nov 25 (18 Oct 2026)
- Arab News Pakistan: Pakistani astronaut to embark on space mission from China on Nov 25
- ProPakistani: Pakistan's first astronaut will fly to space on November 25 (18 Oct 2026)
Source: radio.gov.pk