Guo JiakunPakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research CommissionChina Manned Space Agency

Pakistani astronaut to join China's Shenzhou-24 mission, marking first foreign visit to China Space Station; return aboard Shenzhou-23 after short stay

A Pakistani astronaut will participate in China's Shenzhou-24 mission, marking the first foreign visit to the China Space Station and the first joint flight with foreign astronauts in China's manned space program, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun. The astronaut will return aboard Shenzhou-23.

Global Times Global Times9 November 2026 · 11:19 UTC
Media in this story
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A Pakistani astronaut is set to join China's Shenzhou-24 mission, marking a historic milestone as the first foreign astronaut to visit the China Space Station. This collaboration highlights the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, as stated by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.1

Guo emphasized that this mission represents a significant achievement in bilateral cooperation and reflects the shared aspirations of humanity to explore the universe and utilize outer space peacefully. He noted, “Exploring the vast universe and peacefully utilizing outer space are shared aspirations of humanity and concern the common well-being of all mankind.”3

The Pakistani astronaut will serve as a payload specialist and is expected to return aboard the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft after a short stay in orbit. Guo reiterated China’s commitment to deepening cooperation in space exploration and enhancing bilateral relations, stating, “China stands ready to carry forward its traditional friendship with Pakistan.”4

This mission not only signifies a leap in space exploration but also strengthens the longstanding partnership between the two nations, paving the way for future collaborative endeavors in various fields.

Key Insight
“The astronaut will serve as a payload specialist, and the mission coincides with the 75th anniversary of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations. Guo Jiakun emphasized China's commitment to peaceful space use and international cooperation, framing the flight as a milestone in bilateral ties.”
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1
Global TimesGlobal Times
“China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. The participation of a Pakistani astronaut in the Shenzhou-24 crewed mission will mark the first joint flight involving Chinese and foreign astronauts in the history of China's manned space program, as well as the first visit by a foreign astronaut to the China Space Station, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday.”
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EARLIER IN THE STORY:
China Daily Global EditionChina Daily Global Edition
Pakistani astronaut to join China's Shenzhou XXIV mission as payload specialist, marking first joint Chinese-foreign crewed flight; China Daily editorial reaffirms open frontier commitment

China's space station will receive its first foreign visitor: a Pakistani astronaut will join the Shenzhou XXIV crewed flight mission as a payload specialist, marking the first joint mission by Chinese and foreign astronauts.

China Manned Space AgencyChina Space PolicyChina Space Station
2026-11-08
TL;DR by CuriousCats.ai
  • China's space station is due to receive its first foreign visitor: a Pakistani astronaut will join the Shenzhou XXIV crewed flight mission as a payload specialist, marking the first joint mission by Chinese and foreign astronauts in the country's manned space program.
  • The mission is a concrete action demonstrating China's commitment that outer space should be a domain for cooperation, not another arena for rival camps.
  • China's position paper on strengthening outer space governance, released on Oct 23, identifies unequal distribution of space capabilities and limited access for developing countries as major obstacles, and calls for equitable access to outer space without discrimination.
  • The cooperation is expected to help Pakistan develop its space science expertise and research capabilities, and to help developing countries have a greater say in outer space governance.
  • The visit by the Pakistani astronaut is a tangible expression of the principle that space achievements should benefit all countries, and cooperation encompasses the entire process from selection to orbital missions, lowering the threshold for developing countries and building human capacity.
  • China's broader space cooperation includes the Beidou navigation system serving over 140 countries, satellite assembly capabilities for some developing countries, and international payloads on lunar missions with lunar samples shared with foreign institutions.
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