The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has announced an exciting new partnership with China for the 2028 Chang’e-8 lunar mission, marking Pakistan’s first step into lunar exploration.
In this mission, SUPARCO will send a 35-kilogram rover that is specifically designed to study the lunar south pole. This area is important for future research, as it holds valuable information about the moon’s surface and resources. The rover, scheduled to land in 2028, will help improve understanding of the lunar environment, working closely with China to gather and analyze data from this unique region.
This collaboration is a major milestone in Pakistan’s space program, showcasing its growing abilities in space exploration. It also follows the recent success of the iCube Qamar satellite, which made headlines by entering lunar orbit earlier this year.
The Chang’e-8 mission highlights Pakistan’s commitment to advancing its space technology and scientific research. Working with China on this mission gives SUPARCO the chance to gain valuable experience in lunar research, and it paves the way for future projects in space. For Pakistan, contributing a rover to this mission is not just about exploring the moon—it’s also a step toward becoming a key player in international space research.