• Pakistan begins selection of two astronauts for a mission with China.
• The astronauts will train at the Chinese Astronaut Centre.
• China's space programme aims to land humans on the Moon by 2030.
• Pakistan's astronauts will conduct scientific experiments aboard Tiangong.
• The Shenzhou-20 mission marks a significant step in China's space ambitions.

Pakistan has initiated a significant step in its space exploration journey by selecting two astronauts to collaborate with China for its first manned mission to the Tiangong Space Station. This initiative is confirmed by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), emphasizing the bilateral cooperation in space technology, with expectations of scientific benefits for both nations, according to Dawn.

Following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's announcement in February regarding the intent to send astronauts to space with China's assistance, Pakistan's space agency, SUPARCO, has called for innovative proposals related to experiments on the Chinese Space Station, according to Dawn and Channel News Asia.

The astronaut selection process will occur in three stages, starting with preliminary selection in Pakistan and followed by secondary and final selections in China, detailed CMSA spokesperson Lin Xiqiang. One Pakistani astronaut will serve as a payload specialist, conducting scientific experiments as part of their mission responsibilities, according to South China Morning Post.

Meanwhile, China continues its ambitious space endeavors, gearing up for its crewed mission to the moon by 2030. The recently launched Shenzhou-20 mission will ferry astronauts to the Tiangong space station, facilitating ongoing experiments. This mission is part of a broader strategy to enhance China’s standing in space exploration amidst international competition, including with the United States, as highlighted by TRT Global, Dawn, and Reuters.

China's strong investment in its space program underlines its commitment to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon and compete in the international arena of space exploration. This includes preparation for collaborations with countries like Pakistan, as both nations seek to explore the potential of outer space while enhancing scientific knowledge and technical capabilities, supported by South China Morning Post and Dawn.