Pakistan and China have taken a significant step forward in space exploration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that allows Pakistan’s first lunar rover to be part of China’s Chang’E 8 mission. The agreement, declared by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), solidifies Pakistan’s role in the ambitious mission set for launch in 2028.
The main emphasis of this Chang’E 8 mission is robotic exploration of the lunar south pole, and it is believed that this region holds crucial scientific discoveries that could support future human exploration. While SUPARCO had previously declared Pakistan’s participation, the formal agreement was ratified this week during the visit of Zardari to China.
Press released a claim that Pakistan has made a huge leap in deep space exploration with the signing of this historic MoU between SUPARCO and the China National Space Administration. This collaboration is the new milestone for Pakistan’s space program, contributing to the International Lunar Research Station initiative.
Read more: Pakistan to launch CubeSat to Moon on China’s lunar mission next month
The Pakistani scientists has taken part in developing rover at SUPARCO and it will be implanted at the lunar south pole and carry sophisticated scientific payloads. These will include instruments designed in Pakistan, alongside collaborative payloads developed by Chinese and European researchers. By working together, the mission aims to conduct in-depth analyses of the lunar surface, studying soil composition, radiation levels, plasma properties, and testing new technologies that could pave the way for a sustainable human presence on the Moon.
One of the most enthralling and winsome aspects of the mission is that Pakistani scientists will remotely operate the rover from Earth. This marks a significant achievement for Pakistan’s scientific community, offering valuable experience in planetary exploration and space research.
Pakistan’s space collaboration with China has been steadily growing. In May 2022, Pakistan launched its first lunar satellite aboard Chang’e-6 probe of the China, which successfully landed on the Moon’s South Pole-Aitken Basin. That mission brought back samples to Earth, making China the first country to return material from the Moon’s far side.
This latest partnership depicts the solidifying ties between Pakistan and China in scientific and technological advancements, helping PK to be appear as an emerging player in global space exploration.