In brief
Pakistan’s Shah Faheem Salam is set to launch on China’s Shenzhou‑24 in 2025, becoming the first foreign astronaut to board the Tiangong space station. The partnership follows extensive training with China’s CNSA and aims to test new life‑support systems and robotic arm operations, potentially opening further collaboration for Pakistan in space research.
Pakistan’s Shah Faheem Salam, 43, will fly on China’s Shenzhou‑24 mission, becoming the first foreign astronaut to board the Tiangong space station. The launch is scheduled for September 2025 from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
During a press briefing in Islamabad, Salam said the chance to work alongside Chinese engineers and astronauts came after years of training with China’s National Space Administration.
“I am proud to represent my country on a world stage and to work alongside Chinese engineers and astronauts. This mission signals a step forward for Pakistan’s aerospace ambitions and strengthens our bilateral collaboration.”
CNSA officials confirmed the partnership as a continuation of China’s “human‑spaceflight cooperation” policy. China Daily reported that the Shenzhou‑24 mission will also carry a Chinese module that will dock with the Tiangong space station for a 30‑day orbital stay.
Experts say the inclusion of a foreign astronaut could open doors for Pakistan to acquire new launch and orbital technologies. Dr. Amir Sharif, a space‑policy analyst at the University of Karachi, noted the significance of the mission.
“This is a symbolic and practical step; it offers Pakistan a stake in space‑based research and paves the way for future joint missions.”
The Pakistani Space Agency said Salam will continue training in China’s high‑altitude balloon program and will conduct experiments on micro‑gravity materials once in orbit. The collaboration has drawn attention from other Asian nations such as South Korea and India, who are also seeking similar opportunities in Chinese orbital programs.