The three astronauts will conduct scientific research, carry out spacewalks, and install anti-debris shields on the station’s exterior.

Following the final selection, two Pakistani astronauts will undergo training alongside Chinese astronauts as planned. One Pakistani astronaut will be chosen to join a short-duration space mission as a payload specialist and conduct scientific experiments for Pakistan, as well as perform routine crew duties during the flight.

The announcement came as China prepared to launch its latest Shenzhou mission to the Tiangong space station, the country’s orbiting outpost built after being barred from the International Space Station due to US national security concerns.

China is ambitiously aiming to land astronauts on the moon by 2030 and is advancing its space exploration efforts with the latest crew set to join its Tiangong space station. The new team, featuring experienced and first-time astronauts,