China is poised to train foreign astronauts for missions to the Tiangong space station, a development reported by Chinese Public Television. This step marks a new phase in international collaboration in China’s space program, opening doors for scientists from other nations to participate in orbital research aboard Tiangong.
Tiangong stands as China’s inaugural multi-module space station built for ongoing human presence in orbit. With a mass surpassing 60 tons, it mirrors, in scale and silhouette, the classic Mir station from the late Soviet era, yet it reflects China’s own design philosophy and operational approach for long-term orbital habitation and experimentation.
Chen Shangguang, the official spokesperson for China’s space program, indicated in a televised interview that multiple countries have expressed interest in sending representatives to Tiangong. The message underscores a growing international interest in joint space research and the sharing of scientific capabilities in microgravity environments.
“In the near term we will begin selecting candidates from these countries for joint flights to our space station, where they will collaborate with Chinese astronauts to carry out scientific missions in space,” Chen stated. The plan envisions a collaborative framework that blends foreign expertise with China’s evolving space capabilities, aiming to advance mutual understanding of space science and technology.
According to the spokesperson, the selection process will include an initial screening to identify suitable applicants. Those chosen will then be invited to China to receive training on operating China’s Shenzhou spacecraft and to acclimate to life and work aboard Tiangong, including the routine procedures and safety protocols essential to sustained orbital research.
Chen added that foreign participants will have opportunities to engage with Chinese culture during their time on the station, reflecting a broader aim of cultural exchange alongside technical cooperation. The program envisions a blend of scientific exploration and intercultural understanding, reinforcing the importance of international collaboration in space research.
The announcement follows earlier public disclosures about Tiangong’s completion and readiness for extended missions, showcasing China’s capability to support international crews while expanding humanity’s presence in low Earth orbit. CCTV and other official outlets have emphasized Tiangong’s role as a platform for multi-nation experimentation, education, and discovery in microgravity environments that can benefit a wide range of scientific disciplines.
As space agencies around the world continue to explore cooperative models for orbital research, Tiangong’s foreign astronaut training program stands as a notable example of how nations can work together to push the boundaries of science, technology, and international partnership in space travel.