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Home News Pakistani Astronaut to Join China's Shenzhou 24 Mission

Pakistani Astronaut to Join China's Shenzhou 24 Mission

Nov 7, 2026
55 min
3
Nov 7, 2026 06:31
Pakistani astronaut to board Shenzhou 24 and become the first foreigner on China's space station

## Historic Space Collaboration

A Pakistani astronaut is set to make history by joining China's Shenzhou 24 mission, becoming the first foreign national to board the Chinese space station. This mission represents a significant milestone in China's manned space program, marking the first time a non-Chinese astronaut will participate in such a mission.

## Training and Selection

Earlier this year, two Pakistani candidates, Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud, began training with Chinese astronauts. The training included operational skills and intensive Chinese language lessons. One of these candidates will be selected as a payload specialist for the mission.

## Mission Details

The selected astronaut will undertake a short on-orbit flight and return to Earth aboard the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft. The exact launch date has not been disclosed yet. This mission is part of a broader agreement between China and Pakistan, signed in February 2025.

## Future Space Endeavors

China is aiming for its first crewed lunar landing by 2030, while NASA plans to land astronauts on the moon by 2028. This collaboration with Pakistan is a step forward in China's expanding space ambitions.

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