Two Pakistani astronauts begin mission training at China's Astronaut Centre

BEIJING: Two Pakistani astronauts have officially entered China’s Astronaut Centre and begun mission training alongside Chinese astronauts, marking a major milestone in Pakistan-China space cooperation, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced on Saturday.

CMSA spokesperson Zhang Jingbo said the training programme was progressing smoothly and confirmed that one Pakistani astronaut would serve as a payload specialist during a future short-term spaceflight mission.

Speaking at a press conference in Jiuquan, Zhang said the Pakistani astronauts were currently undergoing basic astronaut preparation and aerospace technical training together with their Chinese counterparts.

The training programme is focused on developing operational and technical skills required for mission execution, with particular emphasis on hands-on capabilities to ensure the astronauts are fully prepared for spaceflight duties.

According to the CMSA, the initial phase of training includes intensive Chinese language instruction aimed at improving communication skills and familiarising the astronauts with mission-related terminology and operational commands.

The language programme covers basic Chinese proficiency as well as specialised aerospace vocabulary required during mission activities.

Earlier in April, the CMSA announced that Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud had been selected as the final candidates after the completion of the first-ever selection process for foreign astronauts under China’s manned space programme.

The development represents a significant advancement in Pakistan-China scientific and technological cooperation and highlights expanding collaboration between the two countries in the space sector.