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Express Tribune
23-04-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
China to train two Pakistani astronauts
Pakistan is the first country to send astronauts to the Chinese Space Station. PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS China will select and train two astronauts from Pakistan for upcoming space missions, according to an announcement made by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) on Wednesday. One of the selected candidates is expected to serve as a payload specialist aboard a future mission to China's space station. During a press briefing held in Jiuquan, Gansu, China, CMSA spokesperson Lin Xiqiang stated that the chosen Pakistani astronaut will carry out scientific experiments designed by Pakistan, in addition to performing standard duties as a crew member while in orbit, China Economic Net (CEN) reported.
Express Tribune
23-04-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Pakistani astronaut to embark on space mission with China
Pakistan is the first country to send astronauts to the Chinese Space Station. PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Listen to article A Pakistani astronaut will soon be among the international crew members heading to China's space station, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), marking a significant milestone in Sino-Pakistani space cooperation. The selection process for Pakistani astronauts is currently underway, following the signing of a bilateral cooperation agreement in February. CMSA spokesman Lin Xiqiang said that the process involves three stages—preliminary selection in Pakistan, and secondary and final stages in China. Ultimately, two astronauts will be trained, with one selected to participate in a future spaceflight as a payload specialist. The Pakistani astronaut will be responsible for both operational duties and scientific experiments during the mission, representing Pakistan aboard the Chinese space station Tiangong. This announcement coincides with preparations for the Shenzhou-20 mission, scheduled for launch at 5:17 p.m. local time on Thursday. The mission will carry three Chinese astronauts—Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie—for a six-month stay aboard Tiangong. Shenzhou-20 will conduct space experiments and extravehicular activities, as well as life science research involving zebrafish, planarians, and streptomyces. The outgoing Shenzhou-19 crew is scheduled to return to Earth on April 29, while the new crew is expected back in October. China is also training its fourth batch of astronauts, including for the first time candidates from Hong Kong, Macau, and Pakistan. Reports indicate Hong Kong and Macau astronauts may fly as early as 2026. CMSA officials say discussions are ongoing with other nations about participating in future space missions, reflecting China's growing push for international collaboration in space. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan is keen to enhance cooperation with China in the fields of space technology, satellite communications, and internet services. The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with delegation from Chinese space technology firm Galaxy Space, led by Chairman Xu Ming. The prime minister described China as a 'very trusted friend' and 'strategic partner,' adding that Pakistan places high importance on the growth of its space and telecommunication sectors.
Express Tribune
06-04-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Suparco calls scientists for experiment proposals ahead of first manned mission to CSS
Pakistan is the first country to send astronauts to the Chinese Space Station. PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Listen to article Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), has called on scientists, researchers, and students to submit experimental proposals for its first-ever manned mission to the China Space Station (CSS), scheduled for 2026. In a significant step towards advancing space science and international collaboration, SUPARCO is inviting ideas for experiments to be conducted in microgravity aboard the CSS. The initiative marks a milestone in Pakistan's space journey, with the country expected to send its first astronaut into orbit in partnership with China. Proposals are sought in key scientific fields, including biotechnology, space life sciences, fluid dynamics, material science, and astrophysics. To be considered, experiments must present novel, original concepts that can be executed within one week. They must also be cost-effective, lightweight, and easily manageable by a single astronaut on board. All research must align with the technical capabilities of the CSS and must not replicate experiments previously carried out on the International Space Station (ISS). SUPARCO stated that priority will be given to projects that contribute to the broader goals of sustainable development. Currently, the China Space Station orbits Earth in an elliptical trajectory inclined at 41.5 degrees relative to the equator, maintaining an altitude of around 380 kilometres. It completes an orbit every 92 minutes at a velocity of approximately 7.7 kilometres per second. SUPARCO described the initiative as a landmark opportunity for the Pakistani public, especially its academic and scientific communities, to actively contribute to frontier space research. The deadline for submission of proposals is 30 April. The details can be seen here.
Express Tribune
04-04-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Pakistan to send astronauts to China for first space training: Suparco
Pakistan is the first country to send astronauts to the Chinese Space Station. PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Listen to article Pakistan will send two astronauts to China for training under a landmark space collaboration agreement, becoming the first foreign nation to join Beijing's prestigious space station training programme. The announcement was made by Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) Director Shafaat Ali on Friday. Speaking to a private news outlet, Ali confirmed that the two astronauts will be selected based on merit, with eligibility criteria including PhD qualifications, aviation experience, and stringent physical standards. The collaboration comes under an agreement signed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government, marking a historic step in Pakistan-China space ties. 'This partnership opens new avenues for advanced scientific research and strengthens the already robust strategic relationship between the two countries,' Ali said. Until now, astronaut training in China had been limited to its own citizens. This shift, Suparco noted, reflects deepening trust and a shared vision for space exploration. Ali outlined a three-phase selection process that will conclude by 2026, with the chosen candidates expected to conduct cutting-edge scientific experiments aboard the Chinese Space Station (CSS). Research areas will include microgravity, space radiation, fluid mechanics, astronomy, and biological sciences. Expressing gratitude to the Chinese government and Prime Minister Sharif, Ali said the initiative marks 'a giant leap' for Pakistan's space ambitions.
Express Tribune
27-02-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
46 killed in Sudan plane crash
Antonov aircraft said to be crash in the incident. PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Forty-six people were killed when a Sudanese military transport plane crashed into a residential neighbourhood on the outskirts of Khartoum, the regional government said Wednesday. The Antonov aircraft went down on Tuesday night near Wadi Seidna air base, one of the army's largest military hubs in Omdurman, northwest of the capital. The army, which has been at war with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, said the plane crashed during takeoff, killing and injuring both military personnel and civilians. "After a final tally, the number of martyrs reached 46, with 10 injured," the Khartoum regional government's media office said in a statement. The army-aligned health ministry had previously reported at least 19 dead. Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion and seeing several homes damaged in the area. The crash also caused power outages in nearby neighbourhoods. The ministry said emergency teams rushed injured civilians, including children, to a nearby hospital.
