Pakistan to launch first astronaut into space from China on Nov 25: Ahsan Iqbal

Announces plans to establish Pakistan’s first Space Museum at University of Narowal to promote scientific awareness

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced on Sunday that Pakistan’s first astronaut would embark on a space mission from China on November 25, as he set out the country’s ambitions for a lunar mission by 2035, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.

Addressing the concluding ceremony of World Space Week 2026 in Narowal, Iqbal said cooperation with China would help Pakistan reach new heights in space exploration.

He also announced plans to establish Pakistan’s first Space Museum at the University of Narowal to promote scientific awareness and encourage young people to pursue space science and technology.

The planning minister said World Space Week had been celebrated in Narowal for the first time in collaboration with Suparco under his vision, with the aim of raising awareness among young people about space science, scientific research, and modern technology.

The proposed Space Museum at the University of Narowal is also intended to inspire students to explore scientific fields and pursue careers in space research and technology.

Pakistan’s first astronaut is expected to travel to China’s Tiangong space station under a bilateral human spaceflight programme. Two Pakistani candidates, Khurram Daud and Muhammad Zeeshan Ali, have been undergoing training in China, with one to be selected for the mission.

According to Reuters, the selected astronaut will serve as a payload specialist and conduct scientific experiments aboard the space station. The mission is part of wider cooperation between Pakistan and China in space science and technology.

Pakistan’s space agency, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), signed an agreement with the China Manned Space Agency in February 2025 to prepare a Pakistani astronaut for the mission.

Iqbal also reiterated Pakistan’s ambition to reach the Moon by 2035, with China’s support expected to play a significant role in advancing the country’s space programme.

The two countries are also collaborating on a Pakistani lunar rover planned for China’s Chang’e-8 mission, expected around 2028, Reuters reported. The rover is intended to contribute to lunar exploration through autonomous navigation and imaging technology.