{
  "id": 15415219,
  "title": "Pakistan’s first astronaut to embark on space mission next month: minister",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/pakistans-first-astronaut-to-embark-on-space-mission-next-month",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-18T13:02:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40444807/pakistans-first-astronaut-to-embark-on-space-mission-next-month-minister"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal announced that Pakistan's first astronaut will launch into space from China's space center on November 25. During the closing ceremony of World Space Week in Narowal, Iqbal outlined Pakistan's ambition to achieve a lunar landing by 2035. Cooperation with China, according to Iqbal, would propel Pakistan to new heights in the field of space exploration.\n\nIn addition to the astronaut's journey, Iqbal unveiled plans to construct Pakistan's inaugural Space Museum at the University of Narowal. The aim of this museum is to foster scientific awareness and inspire the younger generation to delve into space science and technology. The World Space Week 2026 was marked for the first time in Narowal, in collaboration with SUPARCO, with the goal of raising awareness among the youth about space science, research, and modern technology.\n\nThe minister underscored the increasing significance of space technology in various sectors such as agriculture, communications, climate monitoring, education, and national security. He emphasized that scientific research and space exploration are crucial for technological advancement and the pursuit of knowledge. Iqbal highlighted that the Holy Quran encourages reflection on the creation of the universe, emphasizing the importance of scientific curiosity, research, and learning among young people. He also noted that Muslim scholars once played a significant role in astronomy and scientific discovery, and called for renewed efforts to restore Pakistan's leadership in knowledge and research.\n\nIqbal congratulated the University of Narowal for securing the first position at the Islamabad Science Festival, viewing it as a reflection of the country's youth's talent and potential. He stressed that improved access to higher education is enabling students who previously faced financial barriers to achieve distinction, thus fostering a new generation of accomplished individuals.",
  "summary": "Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal on Sunday said Pakistan’s first astronaut will embark on a space mission from China’s space centre on November 25. Addressing the concluding ceremony of World Space Week in Narowal, he said Pakistan aims to achieve a lunar landing by 2035, the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives said in a press release. Iqbal said…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}