Pakistan joins hands with China to launch first-ever rover on moon

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s space agency, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has announced to collaborate with China on a groundbreaking lunar exploration mission, state-run APP reported.

Suparco will send an indigenous rover, with an approximate weight of 35 kilograms, to explore the lunar surface in partnership with China’s Chang’E 8 mission, set to launch in 2028.

The Chang’e-8 mission is part of the Biejing’s future International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).

The mission aims to contribute to scientific research on the south pole of the Moon, a region known for its challenging terrain and potential scientific discoveries. The rover will explore the Moon’s surface and conduct scientific research for future lunar and planetary exploration.

According to SUPARCO, the mission will involve a series of scientific experiments, including the study of lunar soil, mapping of the lunar surface, and the testing of new technologies for sustainable human presence on the Moon.

“Suparco’s rover, equipped with state-of-the-art scientific instruments, will play a crucial role in collecting data that could pave the way for future lunar missions,” it said.