Beijing/Islamabad, Feb 28: In a landmark agreement, China has announced plans to send a Pakistani astronaut to its space station, Tiangong, making Pakistan the first foreign nation to have a representative aboard the Chinese orbital facility. The agreement was signed between the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) and Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) during a ceremony attended by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.
Strengthening Space Cooperation
The newly signed agreement includes provisions for training and selecting Pakistani astronauts, with the goal of sending them to Tiangong, which orbits 400 kilometers above Earth. This marks a significant milestone in China's expanding space diplomacy and deepening strategic ties with Pakistan.For years, China has supported Pakistan's space ambitions by launching satellites, bolstering its close ally’s technological and scientific capabilities.
China’s Space Station & Global Rivalries
Tiangong, which has been in orbit for nearly four years, is often seen as a rival to the International Space Station (ISS). China built its own space station after being reportedly excluded from the ISS due to concerns over the involvement of its People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in its space program.The space station is also a focal point of competition between China and the US, particularly as both nations race toward new milestones in space exploration. The robotic arms of the Chinese station, particularly the long-arm mechanism capable of grasping objects like satellites, have raised international security concerns.
China’s Future Space Ambitions
China has outlined ambitious plans for manned lunar missions, a lunar space station, and deep space exploration, including the search for habitable planets and extraterrestrial life. According to Lin Xiqiang, Deputy Director of CMSA, China is aiming to land astronauts on the Moon before 2030, while the US has set its sights on returning astronauts to the lunar surface by 2025.This collaboration with Pakistan marks another step in China’s efforts to expand its influence in space exploration while fostering stronger ties with key allies.