CMSA spokesperson Lin Xiqiang shared details of the initiative during a press conference at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China.

The selection process will consist of three phases - an initial screening in Pakistan, followed by two additional rounds of evaluation in China. Finally, the two candidates will be selected for astronaut training.

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Of these, one will take part in a joint space mission aboard the China Space Station as a payload specialist, contributing to both routine crew operations and scientific research on behalf of Pakistan.

China is reportedly in discussions with other countries for similar collaborative space missions.

Meanwhile, Chinese aerospace company Galaxy Space held talks in Islamabad with Pakistani officials, including representatives from the Ministry of IT and SUPARCO, to explore potential investment and joint ventures in space technology.