BEIJING: Pakistan’s inclusion in the China Space Station program is a testament to the deep-rooted strategic partnership between the two nations and marks a significant step in advancing space exploration for mutual benefit, according to Lin Xiqiang, Director General of the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
Lin emphasised that Pakistan’s involvement in this initiative will foster knowledge exchange and cooperation, aligning with the broader goal of peaceful space exploration for the benefit of humanity.
Last week, CMSA and Pakistan’s Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) signed a formal cooperation agreement to train and select Pakistani astronauts for future missions aboard China’s Tiangong space station. This milestone builds upon decades of collaboration in aerospace technology between the two countries.
China and Pakistan share a long history of aerospace cooperation, with experts from both nations working closely on various joint initiatives. Their strong technical rapport has paved the way for the successful completion of numerous projects, according to a report by Gwadar Pro.
A major milestone in this partnership was achieved last year when China launched Pakistan’s first lunar satellite, CubeSat, as part of its historic Chang’e 6 mission. The satellite successfully entered the Moon’s orbit, marking Pakistan’s first-ever lunar flyby.
Experts suggest that Pakistan’s selection as the first foreign participant in China’s space station program aligns with the country’s strategic significance in Beijing’s global vision. Pakistan hosts the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the flagship initiative of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which strengthens its role in China’s long-term economic and technological expansion.
“In an era of increasing geopolitical competition, China is positioning itself as a leader in space exploration, particularly among Global South nations,” said Carlo Iorio, Director of the Center for Research and Engineering in Space Technology at the Free University of Brussels.
China’s goal of lowering barriers for developing nations to enter the space sector underscores its commitment to international cooperation as a major spacefaring nation. By providing opportunities for emerging space programs, China aims to bolster technological growth in developing countries and facilitate greater participation in space exploration.
Reports from international media indicate that the first non-Chinese astronaut aboard the Tiangong space station will come from a developing nation. This initiative could prove instrumental in fostering technological advancements in space exploration for countries with emerging space programs.
By integrating developing nations into its space missions, China is not only expanding scientific collaboration but also contributing to the growth and self-reliance of their space industries, providing them with a platform to accelerate their space research and exploration goals.
