The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has announced its rover will join China’s Chang’E 8 mission to explore the moon’s surface in 2028.
As per SUPARCO, the rover will land on the lunar South Pole in 2028 as part of the Chang’s E 8 mission. It is worth mentioning that moon’s South Pole is known for its harsh terrain and potential scientific discoveries.
Pakistan launched its first lunar satellite in May on China’s Chang’e-6 probe, which was assigned to settle on the moon’s far side, which is always facing away from Earth.
SUPARCO’s rover, with an approximate weight of 35 kilograms, will join China’s Chang’E 8 mission, part of the wider ILRS effort, SUPARCO said in a statement Wednesday.
This is the first time a foreign mission would be collaborating with Pakistan’s indigenous efforts, and the homegrown Pakistani rover by SUPARCO will be part of this mission to explore the lunar surface.
The mission, according to SUPARCO, would include scientific studies such as the mapping of lunar surface, study of lunar soil, and testing new technologies for human habitation on moon. It was underlined that the rover, equipped with the most modern scientific tools, would form a vital element of data collection.
“This collaboration with China is testimony that the two countries have strong bilateral ties while both them try and strive for common exploration in space,” it added.
