Pakistan's Geo News and "Today Pakistan" reported on October 3 local time that Pakistan will send two Pakistani citizens to China this month for a one-year astronaut training program in China. After completing systematic training, the selected individuals are planned to enter the Chinese space station in 2026 for a one-week mission.
Geo News stated that in preparation for this mission, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission has collected scientific experiment proposals nationwide. Currently, there are 300 experiments on the shortlist, which are expected to be included in the program.
In February this year, the China Manned Space Engineering Office signed a cooperation agreement with the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission. The two sides will jointly select Pakistani astronauts to carry out joint flight missions in the Chinese space station. At the International Lunar Research Station Developers Conference held in Shanghai on April 23, Asim Javed Ali, Deputy Director of the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, told Global Times reporters that Pakistan has already launched preliminary astronaut selection work domestically, planning to first select more than ten candidates. Asim Javed Ali said that this will not only be the first time that the Chinese space station welcomes foreign astronauts, but also the first time that Pakistan will have an astronaut, which is a significant event for both sides.
"Space exploration is a common dream of all humanity. We are very happy to see the signing of the space cooperation agreement between China and Pakistan, and we look forward to the smooth entry of Pakistani astronauts into the Chinese space station." In March this year, when asked about the signing of the space cooperation agreement between China and Pakistan as well as the upcoming arrival of Pakistani astronauts in the Chinese space station, Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular press conference that since the establishment of the China Manned Space Engineering, it has always adhered to the principle of "peaceful use, equality, mutual benefit, and common development". It focuses on sharing the fruits of China's development with all humanity and actively opens up cooperation opportunities with the Chinese space station. We are willing to work together with Pakistan to promote the continuous advancement of bilateral space cooperation, so that space technology can better benefit the economic and social development of the two countries. China is also willing to work with all countries and regions committed to the peaceful use of outer space to carry out more international cooperation and exchanges.
Source: @Global Times
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