RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has achieved another milestone in Pakistan’s Human Spaceflight Programme with the successful completion of the secondary phase of astronaut candidates’ selection.

According to ISPR, after an initial screening process in Pakistan, two candidates have been shortlisted following detailed medical, psychological and aptitude assessments conducted at the Astronauts Centre of China (ACC), in line with international human spaceflight standards.

The shortlisted candidates will now undergo six months of advanced astronaut training at ACC. After completing the programme, one candidate will be chosen for a spaceflight mission aboard the Chinese Space Station (CSS) scheduled for October or November 2026.

The cooperation is based on the bilateral Astronaut Cooperation Agreement signed in February 2025, which enabled Pakistan’s participation in human spaceflight.

The initiative also highlights the support of the Chinese government, which selected Pakistan as the first foreign partner in its astronaut programme.