Beijing, April 22 (Xinhua): The China Manned Space Agency has confirmed that two Pakistani candidates have been selected as the first foreign astronauts to train for missions aboard China’s space station, according to a report by the Xinhua News Agency on Wednesday.
The selected candidates – Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud – will undergo astronaut training in China alongside Chinese counterparts as part of an expanding international cooperation program in space exploration.
The development marks the first time foreign astronauts have been included in training for missions related to China’s space station, operated by the China Manned Space Agency.
Further details regarding training timelines and potential flight assignments have not yet been officially released
Earlier last year, Pakistan placed a new remote sensing satellite into orbit. The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) confirmed that the satellite was fully operational.
The satellite launched on July 31, 2025, from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC). It quickly established stable links with ground stations and began sending high-resolution images back to Earth.
This technology will transform urban planning, infrastructure projects, and regional development. It will track urban growth, land use, and development trends with high accuracy.
The satellite will also strengthen disaster response. It can provide early data for floods, earthquakes, landslides, and other natural hazards, allowing faster action.