China will select and train two Pakistani astronauts for space missions, with one slated to serve as a payload specialist on a future Chinese space station flight, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced on Wednesday.
The selection process for Pakistani astronauts is underway following the signing of a bilateral cooperation agreement in late February, CMSA spokesman Lin Xiqiang told a press conference at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. "After the signing of the cooperation agreement between China and Pakistan at the end of February this year, the selection of Pakistani astronauts is now underway. Like the selection of Chinese astronauts, the process is divided into three phases, namely preliminary selection, re-selection and final selection. The preliminary selection will be carried out in Pakistan, while the re-selection and final selection will be in China. Two Pakistani astronauts will be selected to participate in the training in China," said the spokesman.
"In accordance with the mission planning for China's space station and the progress of our cooperation, one Pakistani astronaut will participate in a joint mission as the payload specialist. In addition to performing regular duties in orbit, the astronaut will also conduct scientific experiments designed by Pakistan. Meanwhile, we are holding consultations with relevant countries regarding the participation of their astronauts in China's space station missions. Relevant updates will be released in due course," he said.
Two Pakistani astronauts to receive spaceflight training in China
