What is China’s one-year manned space mission, in which Pakistani astronauts will be included?

Updated: 27-02-2026, 07.25 PM

What is the news?

China is going to launch its first one-year manned space mission this year. Under this mission, an astronaut will stay at Tiangong Space Station for a whole year. The special thing is that a Pakistani astronaut will also participate in this program for a short period. China’s Human Space Agency said that this step is considered a major change in the direction of long missions and international cooperation.

What will be special in this mission?

Under the Shenzhou-23 mission, an astronaut will stay at the Tiangong station for 12 consecutive months. Its objective is to study the effects of microgravity on the human body. With this, necessary data will be collected for long space missions. In this important mission of China, life support systems, radiation protection, medical monitoring and mental health systems will also be tested, so that preparations for future deep space missions can be strengthened.

Pakistani astronaut’s involvement

China has confirmed that a Pakistani astronaut will make a short visit to Tiangong as a payload specialist. This mission will probably take place in late 2026 via Shenzhou-24. He will take part in experiments and other activities at the station for a few days. This step has been taken after the space cooperation agreement between China and Pakistan and is being seen as a sign of international partnership.

Preparations for lunar mission also intensified

China has reiterated its goal of sending humans to the moon before 2030. According to the agency, development of hardware and rocket systems for the lunar mission continues. All necessary structures are being constructed at the Wenchang launch site. Recently new spacecraft and rocket stages have also been tested. This one-year mission is considered an important part of China’s long space strategy.