Pakistan has just taken a massive step in deep space exploration! Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Comission (SUPARCO) has officially signed a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with China’s space agency, CNSA, making way for Pakistan’s first-ever lunar rover. This rover will be part of China’s Chang’e-8 mission, scheduled for launch in 2028.
The agreement was signed in the presence of President Asif Ali Zardari and Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking a significant milestone for Pakistan’s space program. The Chang’e-8 mission will explore the Moon’s surface, test new technologies, and study its resources. Pakistan’s rover will play a crucial role in this.
SUPARCO’s lunar rover will land at the Moon’s south pole, an area of immense scientific interest, and carry advanced scientific instruments developed by Pakistani engineers. It will also include an internationally designed payload created by Chinese and European scientists, allowing for a more in-depth analysis of the lunar environment.
The coolest part? Pakistani scientists will control and operate the rover from Earth! This mission will help us study lunar soil, map the surface, analyze radiation levels, and test technologies for future human exploration.