At the 77th International Astronautical Congress, Yang Liwei, deputy chief designer of the China Manned Space Engineering Office, announced that the Chinese space station will serve as an open experimental platform for global scientists. The station will facilitate international cooperation in scientific research, astronaut training, and educational outreach.
The Chinese space station is scheduled to host its first foreign astronauts in the second half of 2026. Two Pakistani reserve astronauts are currently undergoing joint training with Chinese crew members. One of them is slated to participate in a short-term flight mission as a payload specialist.
Regarding future lunar exploration, China intends to collaborate with other nations on the development of a lunar research station. The project aims to advance scientific research and the exploration of the Moon through international partnerships and shared development efforts.
