The Federal Minister of Science and Technology, today, laid out the plan of sending the country’s first astronaut to space.
The Minister, Fawad Chaudhry, while talking to a Pakistani media channel mentioned the country’s plan to send first Pakistani astronaut to space. Earlier last week, the official had mentioned that the country would send its first astronaut to space by 2022. He mentioned that the selection procedure for the said astronaut would begin in Feb 2020, when 50 individuals would be shortlisted. The list would ultimately be decreased to one person who would then be sent to space.
While giving the interview today, Fawad Chaudhry mentioned that the space mission is in line with the space policy of Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco). Following the policy, an agreement had already been reached with China in 2015 on the said matter. Talking about the selection of potential astronaut, Fawad mentioned that PAF, which would be a partner of Suparco in the mission, would shortlist the most suitable person from the pool of its fighter pilots.
Fawad seemed hopeful of Pakistan’s space program. He mentioned that since the setting out of policy in 2002, Pakistan’s space program had progressed on a good level. “It should reach an advanced stage by 2030,” Fawad further quoted.
Fawad Chaudhry first mentioned the topic of sending out the astronaut back in October last year, after he took up the Ministry of Science and Technology for the country. Back then he said, that Chinese assistance would be asked to make this program a reality. Pakistan has already been able to send two satellites into space with the help of China. These satellites were developed indigenously but the launching mechanism was supported by China.
News Via Tribune
