Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
2mo ago

China to Train and Send First Pakistani Astronaut to Tiangong Space Station

The agreement marks the first time China will train a foreign astronaut, strengthening its space diplomacy and collaboration with Pakistan.

A view of Tiangong space station taken by the departed Shenzhou-16 spacecraft crew in late October 2023.
A top-down view of China's Tiangong space station, captured by the departing Shenzhou-16 spacecraft crew in late October 2023. The space station's three-module structure, large solar arrays, and docking ports are visible against the backdrop of Earth’s blue atmosphere and scattered clouds.
Image

Overview

  • China and Pakistan have signed an agreement to select and train a Pakistani astronaut for a mission to China's Tiangong space station.
  • The Pakistani astronaut will undergo comprehensive training in China, with plans to join a short-term mission alongside Chinese astronauts in the coming years.
  • This collaboration represents China's first initiative to train international astronauts and is part of its broader space diplomacy efforts.
  • Observers note this partnership aligns with China's Belt and Road Initiative and bolsters Pakistan's access to advanced space technology.
  • The development highlights growing competition in space exploration, as China positions Tiangong as a rival to the aging International Space Station.