Pakistan’s first space mission: Astronauts to train in China
Muhammad Naeem:
Islamabad:Pakistan’s human spaceflight program has reached a significant milestone, as astronaut candidates Khurram Dawood and Muhammad Zeeshan Ali depart for China to begin advanced training.
The mission is being seen as a landmark moment for Pakistan’s space programme and another symbol of deep Pakistan-China cooperation.
An important breakthrough has come in SUPARCO’s human space mission programme, with preparations now actively underway for Pakistan’s first astronauts to head into space.
Pakistanis Khurram Dawood and Muhammad Zeeshan Ali are being prepared for a future spaceflight later this year, where they are expected to carry out scientific experiments. Their departure for China for advanced training marks a historic chapter in Pakistan’s journey toward human spaceflight.
Two Pakistani candidates head to China
Both astronaut candidates have now left for China to begin the next phase of their preparation. Their training is part of the broader Pakistan-China Space Program, which officials say is moving ahead with confidence and optimism.
Khurram Dawood expressed pride at being selected for the programme. He said he had been given the opportunity to join the Pakistan-China Space Program, that this was the beginning of his training in China, and that he was fully prepared for it.
Muhammad Zeeshan Ali also shared his excitement before departure. He said that, God willing, they would complete the mission with full passion and full responsibility, adding slogans in support of Pakistan and Pakistan-China friendship.
According to the report, the space mission will involve a range of important scientific experiments. These include research in materials science, fluid physics, life science and biotechnology.
Officials say the scientific work planned for the mission could have wide practical value. The research is expected to contribute to efforts linked to environmental change, food security and innovation in the industrial sector.
SUPARCO officials have voiced optimism about the success of the mission and described it as a crucial national achievement. They say Pakistan is moving toward this milestone with the guidance of the country’s political and military leadership and with the cooperation of friendly country China.
The officials believe the human spaceflight programme will not only strengthen Pakistan’s scientific profile but also open new opportunities for advanced research and technological development.
National and scientific importance
Muhammad Yousuf Khan, chairman of Suparco, said he was grateful to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir for supporting Pakistan’s space programme.
He also thanked China for its cooperation and said Pakistan was introducing its two astronauts to the world. He described human spaceflight as an important component of the programme, under which the first Pakistani astronaut will go into space, stay there and conduct many useful scientific experiments.
PM praises progress
Prime Minister Sharif appreciated what he called significant progress toward promoting space research in Pakistan. He said Pakistan’s participation in this mission is a clear reflection of the strong and everlasting friendship between Pakistan and China.
For Pakistan, the mission is not just about reaching orbit. It is also about expanding scientific research, strengthening innovation and placing the country on the map in human space exploration through a partnership officials describe as a lasting symbol of Pak-China friendship.
