The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has announced a historic partnership with China for the upcoming Chang’e-8 lunar mission, set to launch in 2028. This collaboration marks Pakistan’s first foray into lunar exploration, showcasing the nation’s growing aspirations in space research.

A SUPARCO representative shared that Pakistan will contribute a 35-kilogram lunar rover, specifically engineered to investigate the Moon’s south pole. This rover, expected to launch as part of the Chang’e-8 mission, aims to advance the mission’s goals by enhancing the analysis of the lunar surface and contributing to pioneering research on the Moon.

“The collaboration with China will pave the way for groundbreaking scientific research that will significantly expand our understanding of the lunar surface,” the SUPARCO spokesperson remarked. “The rover’s primary mission will focus on detailed exploration of the Moon’s south pole, an area believed to hold valuable resources, including water ice.”

This joint mission follows the successful deployment of Pakistan’s iCube Qamar satellite in May 2024, launched aboard China’s Chang’e-6 mission. The iCube Qamar, a small CubeSat, entered lunar orbit on May 8, representing an important milestone in Pakistan’s space exploration journey by facilitating scientific and technological advancements.

The Chang’e-8 mission, a collaborative effort between China and SUPARCO, will offer Pakistan direct involvement in lunar exploration, enabling its scientists and engineers to contribute to one of the decade’s most ambitious space missions.

China has made remarkable progress in space exploration, particularly in its lunar program, in recent years. This partnership with China on the high-profile Chang’e-8 mission signifies a key step in SUPARCO’s strategy to expand its space research capabilities. Expected to deliver valuable data on the Moon’s south pole, the Chang’e-8 mission could play a crucial role in assessing the potential for future human missions and lunar resource utilization.

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