Two Pakistani Astronaut Candidates Begin Training in China for Space Mission
Two Pakistanis selected for astronaut training arrive in China
News 18
Image: News 18
Two Pakistani nationals, Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud, have arrived in Beijing for astronaut training as part of China's manned space program. They were selected to potentially become the first foreign astronauts to join a mission at the Tiangong space station, which orbits Earth at 400 km.
- 01Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud are the first Pakistani candidates for China's manned space program.
- 02They will train at the Astronaut Centre of China in Beijing alongside Chinese astronauts.
- 03One of the candidates will become the first foreign astronaut to visit the Tiangong space station.
- 04The selection agreement was signed in February 2022 between China and Pakistan.
- 05China's space station serves as a rival to the International Space Station.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud, two Pakistani nationals, have arrived at the Astronaut Centre of China in Beijing to commence training for China's upcoming space missions. This opportunity comes after they were selected as final candidates in early April, marking a significant milestone as they aim to become the first foreign astronauts to participate in missions at the Tiangong space station, which orbits approximately 400 km above Earth. The agreement for their selection was formalized in February 2022 during a ceremony attended by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This initiative highlights the growing cooperation between China and Pakistan in space exploration, with China launching satellites for Pakistan in recent years. The Tiangong space station, operational for nearly five years, is regarded as a competitor to the International Space Station, especially after China was excluded from participating in the ISS due to security concerns regarding its military-led space program.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
This training program could inspire future generations in Pakistan to pursue careers in science and technology, particularly in space exploration.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you support international collaboration in space exploration?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.
