Pakistan has taken a major step in space exploration with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
Signed in the presence of President Asif Ali Zardari and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the MoU enables Pakistan’s first indigenous lunar rover to join China’s Chang’e-8 mission, scheduled for launch in 2028.
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The Chang’e-8 mission, developed by CNSA, focuses on autonomous scientific exploration, technology testing, lunar surface mapping, and resource utilization. Pakistan’s involvement highlights a significant achievement in its space program and contributes to the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) initiative.
SUPARCO’s lunar rover will explore the Moon’s south pole, a scientifically crucial region for potential future human exploration. The rover will feature advanced scientific payloads developed by SUPARCO and an internationally designed payload created through collaboration with Chinese and European scientists, enhancing its analytical capabilities.
Designed, manufactured, and tested by SUPARCO engineers, the rover demonstrates Pakistan’s progress in space technology. Pakistani scientists will operate the rover from Earth, strengthening the country’s role in lunar exploration.
The rover will support key objectives, including:
- Analyzing lunar soil for resource potential.
- Mapping the lunar surface for future missions.
- Studying radiation levels and plasma properties for future human exploration.
- Testing technologies for sustainable long-term lunar operations.
