Pakistan’s first astronaut will travel to space on November 25, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal has announced. The mission, carried out with China’s support, marks a major milestone for the country’s space programme.
Iqbal shared the date on Saturday while addressing the closing ceremony of World Space Week in Narowal. He said China was cooperating with Pakistan in sending its astronauts to space.
“With China’s cooperation, Pakistan will reach new heights in the field of space research,” the minister said.
Moon Landing Target Set for 2035
Iqbal said Pakistan has set a target of landing on the moon by 2035. He described satellite technology as one of the most critical technologies for Pakistan and the rest of the world, adding that the country’s national security system is also linked to it.
He noted that global discussions have now moved beyond the moon towards setting up human settlements on Mars. “If we do not conduct research, we will fall behind in the race for development,” he warned.
The minister also urged that young people be encouraged to ask questions and develop the curiosity to find answers. “Pakistan will have to regain the leadership in knowledge and research that was once our identity,” he said.
Space Museum and Tech Centre Planned for Narowal
Iqbal said the University of Narowal had won first position at the Islamabad Science Festival. He announced that construction of a centre for advanced technology and emerging sciences at the university will begin this year, saying the project had remained confined to files under the previous government.
He added that resources have also been arranged to set up what he called Pakistan’s first space museum at the University of Narowal.
Who Could Be Pakistan’s First Astronaut
The planned flight is part of wider space cooperation between Pakistan and China. Two Pakistani pilots, Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud, have been training at the China Astronaut Research and Training Center in Beijing, according to Reuters. Both were selected for China’s space mission 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 experienced during launch.
One of the two will become the first Pakistani, and the first foreign astronaut, to travel aboard China’s Tiangong space station. The selected astronaut will serve as a payload specialist and conduct Pakistani scientific experiments during a stay of about a week in space.
The government had earlier proposed Rs. 1.29 billion for the Pakistan Manned Space Mission in the 2026-27 development budget. Pakistan and China are also working on a Pakistani-built lunar rover that is expected to fly on China’s Chang’e 8 lunar mission around 2028.
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