On February 27, 2025, the China-Pakistan Forum on Space Science and Utilization of the China Space Station took place in Islamabad, Pakistan. Under the guidance of the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), the forum was collaboratively organized by the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CSU) and the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).
The China-Pakistan Forum on Space Science and Utilization Cooperation, capitalizing on the scientific missions on the China space station, aims to comprehensively introduce to Pakistani institutions, research academies, and universities China's vision and planning for space science and utilization missions aboard its space station. The forum will cover progress and achievements in scientific experiments conducted on the China Space Station, resources and opportunities for space station utilization, as well as experimental support capabilities. By hosting this forum, China aims to bolster the international profile of its space station, broaden its "circle of friends," and enable Pakistan to gain a deeper understanding of developments in space science and utilization. Additionally, it supports the building of Pakistani scientific research capacity. The forum serves to deepen China-Pakistan relations, create more opportunities in related fields, foster bilateral development in scientific research and technology, and sets a precedent for cooperation in the space science field with other nations.
The Forum was presided over by Amer Gilani, Secretary-General of the Manned Flight Coordination Committee at SUPARCO. Among the distinguished attendees were Lin Xiqiang, Deputy Director (in charge of operations) of CMSA; Mohammad Yousuf Khan, Chairman of SUPARCO; Lyu Congmin, Deputy Director of CSU; Chen Xin, Director of the China Astronaut Research and Training Center; and Chinese astronaut Ye Guangfu.
Lyu Congmin, the deputy director of CSU and chief designer of the space utilization system of China manned space program, delivered a speech on behalf of the organizers. In his address, Lyu emphasized that since 2019, CSU and SUPARCO have achieved fruitful cooperation in various fields, including space science experiments, science promotion, education, and science popularization. This collaboration represents not only the culmination of scientific and technological exchanges between the two countries but also a reinforcement of their friendship. CSU is tasked with pivotal responsibilities such as the science and utilization of the space station, scientific research for manned lunar exploration, and resource utilization. It is believed that China and Pakistan possess vast potential for cooperation in these areas, which is expected to inject fresh momentum into the scientific and technological advancement and aerospace industry development of both nations in the future.
Chairman of SUPARCO, Mohammad Yousuf Khan, expressed his gratitude to the experts from China for traveling to Pakistan to engage in exchanges on the utilization of space science. He expressed his hope that the Pakistani scientific research community and relevant institutions would seize this invaluable opportunity to learn and engage in fruitful discussions. Khan believed that with China's assistance, space exploration was no longer a distant dream but a tangible goal, and he was confident that Pakistan would make significant contributions to human exploration of the universe. He also took the opportunity to thank China for the enduring friendship that exists between the two nations.
Zhang Wei Presents Report
Invited speaker Ye Guangfu, a Chinese astronaut, shared his flight experiences , detailing the various missions and scientific experiments conducted aboard Shenzhou-13 and Shenzhou-18. Zhang Wei, the assistant to the chief designer of the space utilization system of China manned space program, elaborated on the advancements and future plans in the science and utilization domains of China Space Station, highlighting its support capabilities for space science and utilization. Guo Pei, deputy chief designer of China Academy of Space Technology, presented the latest progress in aerospace technology experiments. Chen Mengyun, head of the International Cooperation Center of CSU, introduced an overview and future prospects for international collaboration in the space science and utilization areas of China Space Station. Dr. Sadia Zia from the University of the Punjab in Lahore was also in attendance and expressed her deep inspiration from the Chinese experts' presentations, noting that they provided invaluable experience for future space science utilization experiments on China Space Station.
The forum brought together over 200 experts and scholars from Pakistani space agency leaders and administrators, as well as research institutions such as the National University of Science and Technology, University of Karachi, Pakistan Agricultural University, and University of the Punjab. It provided a platform for exchange and dialogue between China and Pakistan, showcasing China's achievements and strengths in the field of space science and utilization, and promoting the further development of space science utilization in Pakistan.
Photo taken at the forum
File Download：