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Pakistan’s national space agency, SUPARCO has officially called on scientists, researchers, and students nationwide to submit innovative experiment proposals for the country’s landmark first human spaceflight mission.
The mission targeting the first Pakistani astronaut to reach the Chinese Space Station (CSS) is slated for late 2026 after astronaut training concludes. SUPARCO struck an agreement with China this year, completing the planning for their historic expedition.
“This is a significant chance for Pakistan’s scientific community and emerging scientists and engineers to contribute to the nation’s space journey and make a lasting impact on the future of space exploration,” SUPARCO said in an official statement.
SUPARCO seeks feasible research proposals from scientists who can exploit the distinct conditions on Chinese Space Station by working in its vacuum and extreme temperatures against microgravity. This initiative aims to achieve the greatest possible scientific results from this historic mission.
The CSS, or Tiangong space station, orbits Earth between 380 kilometers altitude with each orbit lasting 92 minutes while moving at 7.7 kilometers per second. The station offers advanced research infrastructure which comprises specific experiment racks designed for life sciences along with biotechnology, fundamental physics, fluid dynamics, material science, and astrophysics.
“Proposed experiments should be novel, cost-effective, lightweight and feasible within a week in microgravity,” SUPARCO stated. “Submissions must align with CSS research priorities, be unique, and support sustainable development goals.”
SUPARCO particularly encourages proposals in the fields of agriculture and medical sciences, where the effects of microgravity could unlock groundbreaking insights.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the Pakistani public to play an active role in advancing space science and technology,” the agency added.
The selected projects will take place aboard the CSS through the utilisation of its top-notch experimental facilities. The research findings generated by SUPARCO will enable both substantial scientific publications and patent development as well as the creation of commercially viable space application products. Socio-economic development will receive substantial benefits from these expected outcomes.
Proposals can be submitted until April 30, 2025. Detailed guidelines, research categories, and information about available facilities can be accessed through SUPARCO’s official submission portal.
This initiative marks a major leap for Pakistan in its space journey, offering the nation’s scientific minds a rare opportunity to directly participate in space-based research on an international platform.
