SUPARCO’s Lunar Rover to Explore Moon’s South Pole in 2028

Chang’e-8 Mission SUPARCO’s Rover to Illuminate the Lunar South Pole

P.c. China Pakistan Economic Corridor

SUPARCO’s Lunar Rover to Explore Moon’s South Pole in 2028


Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has unveiled an extraordinary partnership with China for the ambitious Chang’e-8 lunar mission, scheduled for 2028. This collaboration signifies Pakistan's maiden foray into lunar exploration, promising groundbreaking advancements in space research.

P.c. China Pakistan Economic Corridor

According to SUPARCO, the mission will feature a 35-kilogram rover developed by Pakistan, specifically engineered to explore the Moon's south pole. This rover, a crucial part of the joint mission with China, will enhance lunar surface analysis and foster revolutionary research.

In an earlier milestone, the iCube Qamar, a CubeSat developed by SUPARCO, was launched aboard China's Chang’e-6 spacecraft on May 3, 2024. It successfully entered lunar orbit on May 8, showcasing Pakistan’s expanding capabilities in space exploration.

CubeSats, like iCube Qamar, are compact satellites that weigh only a few kilograms. These modular devices are invaluable for scientific research, technological innovation, and educational projects in space exploration. Their versatile applications include Earth observation, remote sensing, atmospheric studies, and even astronomy.

This partnership between SUPARCO and China represents a monumental step for Pakistan’s space endeavors, inspiring future generations to dream big in space research and exploration.