Pakistan Collaborates with China on Lunar Exploration Mission

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Pakistan's space agency, SUPARCO, will collaborate with China for the upcoming Chang'e-8 moon mission slated for 2028, marking Islamabad's significant entry into lunar exploration. As reported by Pakistan Observer, the partnership involves an indigenous rover that will be deployed to explore the moon’s south pole, a region recognized for its complex terrain and potential scientific importance.

The Chang'e-8 mission is part of China's International Lunar Research Station project, aimed at testing technologies vital for establishing a lunar science base, as noted by NASA. It will conduct surveys, analyze lunar samples, and assess resource utilization for sustaining life on the moon. The Pakistani rover, weighing approximately 35 kilograms, is expected to enhance research on the lunar surface by providing valuable data.

This partnership builds on previous collaborations, including Pakistan's successful deployment of the iCube Qamar CubeSat onboard China's Chang'e-6 mission in May 2024. China's Chang'e-8 mission aims to foster international space cooperation by offering a payload capacity for other countries, potentially advancing lunar exploration objectives.

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