Pakistan’s First Astronaut Set for Space Mission on November 25

Pakistan’s first astronaut is scheduled to travel to space from China on November 25, Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced on October 18. The mission marks a step in Pakistan’s human spaceflight program, which relies on cooperation with China.

Iqbal announced the date while addressing the closing ceremony of World Space Week in Narowal. According to the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Pakistan also aims to achieve a lunar landing by 2035.

Two Pakistani Pilots Shortlisted for Mission

Pakistan shortlisted pilots Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud as astronaut candidates in 2026. Both underwent training in Beijing under a cooperation agreement between Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and the China Manned Space Agency.

The selected astronaut is expected to serve as a scientific payload specialist aboard China’s Tiangong space station. The role involves conducting scientific experiments rather than piloting the spacecraft.

China has not publicly confirmed which candidate will fly. The mission is expected to include Pakistani scientific experiments focused on areas such as biotechnology, food security and climate change.

Pakistan does not have its own crewed spacecraft or launch system, so the mission will depend on Chinese facilities, spacecraft and training.

Pakistan Plans First Space Museum

Iqbal also announced plans to establish Pakistan’s first Space Museum at the University of Narowal. The proposed museum aims to promote scientific awareness and encourage young people to pursue space science and technology.

At the World Space Week ceremony, the minister highlighted the use of space technology in agriculture, communications, climate monitoring, education and national security.

He also congratulated the University of Narowal on securing first position at the Islamabad Science Festival.

Pakistan’s wider space plans include a lunar landing target for 2035 and a Pakistani lunar rover scheduled to join China’s Chang’e 8 mission in 2028.