NAROWAL, October 18, 2026: Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has announced November 25 as the date for Pakistan's first astronaut to embark on a space mission from China, while unveiling plans for what the government calls the country's first space museum at the University of Narowal.
The announcements came during the concluding ceremony of World Space Week in Narowal on Sunday. According to an official statement from the Ministry of Planning, Iqbal said cooperation with China would help Pakistan advance its ambitions in space research and exploration.
November 25 is the most specific date publicly announced for the country's first astronaut mission. However, the date comes from the Pakistani minister's statement. A corresponding final launch schedule and crew assignment from the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) were not independently established in the official sources reviewed for this report.
Who could become Pakistan's first astronaut?
Two Pakistani candidates, Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud, have been training in China under an astronaut cooperation programme established by Pakistan and China in February 2025.
The programme involves Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and CMSA. One of the candidates is expected to participate in a short-duration mission aboard China's Tiangong space station after completing the required training and assessments.
Xinhua reported on April 24, citing CMSA, that both candidates had arrived at the Astronaut Center of China in Beijing. The selected Pakistani is expected to become the first foreign astronaut aboard Tiangong, serving as a scientific payload specialist.
That role involves conducting research experiments rather than commanding or piloting the Chinese spacecraft.
In a September 28 report, Reuters said SUPARCO expected to select the final astronaut in mid-to-late October. As of the October 18 announcement, the sources reviewed did not identify which of the two candidates would make the journey.
What is confirmed about the November 25 mission?
Iqbal's statement provides an announced date for the astronaut's departure from a Chinese space centre, but it does not identify the spacecraft, exact launch time or final flight arrangements.
China is providing the training, launch facilities and spacecraft for the planned mission. Pakistan does not operate an independent crewed spaceflight launch system.
The Pakistani astronaut is expected to carry out scientific experiments aboard Tiangong. According to Reuters, four biotechnology-related experiments were selected from research proposals submitted through SUPARCO. The research includes work relevant to food security and climate-related challenges.
Reuters also reported that the astronaut's stay aboard the station was expected to last around one week, although the final mission arrangements had not been publicly established.
The difference between an announced mission date and a finalized launch schedule remains important. Crew selection, spacecraft arrangements and other operational requirements will need confirmation from the relevant space agencies.
For detailed background on the selection process and scientific programme, read Origin Pakistan's earlier explainer on the Tiangong astronaut mission.
What is planned for the Narowal space museum?
At the same ceremony, Iqbal announced plans to establish a space museum at the University of Narowal to promote public interest in astronomy, scientific research and space technology.
The minister also congratulated the university on securing first position at the Islamabad Science Festival and emphasized the importance of encouraging young Pakistanis to pursue science and innovation.
The latest proposal follows an earlier government announcement concerning space education in Narowal. During a visit to Houston in July 2026, Iqbal discussed plans for a Space Exploration Centre in the city, according to the Planning Ministry's July 10 statement.
It has not been established whether the proposed exploration centre and the newly announced museum are the same project.
The government's description of the Narowal facility as Pakistan's first space museum also needs context. The Pakistan Museum of Natural History in Islamabad already hosts a Space Gallery developed in collaboration with SUPARCO.
According to the museum's official website, the gallery was inaugurated on July 15, 2026, and includes interactive displays about Pakistan's achievements in space science and technology.
A gallery within an existing museum is not necessarily equivalent to a dedicated space museum. However, the claim that Narowal will host Pakistan's first such museum remains the government's description of the planned facility.
The October 18 statement did not provide a verified construction budget, completion deadline or opening date.
Pakistan's 2035 Moon landing ambition
Iqbal also reiterated Pakistan's ambition to achieve a lunar landing by 2035, presenting it as part of the country's wider space exploration goals.
The minister did not specify whether that target involved a robotic spacecraft or a human landing. It should therefore not be interpreted as confirmation that a Pakistani astronaut will travel to the Moon by 2035.
Pakistan is already involved in lunar research cooperation with China. Reuters reported in September that a Pakistani-built rover was planned to participate in China's Chang'e-8 lunar mission, expected around 2028.
For now, the next major milestone is the planned November 25 astronaut mission. Confirmation of the selected astronaut, launch arrangements and exact flight schedule will be necessary to establish when Pakistan's first human spaceflight participation will take place.
