Pakistani astronaut joins Shenzhou-24 mission to China space station

First foreign visitor selected

The China Manned Space Agency confirmed that one national from Pakistan will serve as a payload specialist. This flight represents the initial joint spaceflight involving astronauts from both nations in the history of the Chinese program. The selected individual has completed required training alongside their Chinese counterparts before boarding the vehicle.

Return journey details

After finishing a short stay in orbit, the astronaut will leave Earth using the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft. Officials stated that this return vehicle docked at the station earlier this year. The specific departure date for the launch has not been released by Beijing authorities.

Training and selection process

Two candidates named Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud began their preparation in April. A formal agreement signed in February 2025 established the program for selecting these trainees. One of the pair will fly while the other remains as a backup reserve.