# China’s space diplomacy propels Pakistani astronaut toward orbit

https://mins.news/en/item/76419

- Reuters, 2026-09-28 01:10 UTC
- Science
- Original: https://www.reuters.com/science/chinas-space-diplomacy-lifts-pakistani-astronaut-toward-orbit-2026-09-28/?link_source=ta_bluesky_link&taid=6ab9be6f29ff1500011517b8

> Two Pakistani pilots are preparing for a decision on who will become the first foreign astronaut aboard China’s Tiangong space station. They are memorising Mandarin, undergoing centrifuge drills and learning to eat, sleep and repair equipment in weightlessness.

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