SUPARCO, space agency of Pakistan, has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with China for the Chang’e-8 lunar mission, set to launch in 2028. Pakistan is embarking on its first major lunar exploration effort. SUPARCO will provide a 35-kilogram indigenous rover for China’s Chang’e-8 mission, part of the larger International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).
Investigating the South Pole of the Moon
The lunar south pole is a region of great interest because of its difficult geography and possibilities for groundbreaking scientific findings; the Chang&’e-8 mission will center on this area. The rover created by SUPARCO, says a Pakistan Observer article, will help to advance lunar surface studies, especially in the region of the south pole.
“Pakistan’s rover will be essential in facilitating lunar surface research, hence helping to achieve China’s more general lunar exploration objectives,” said a SUPARCO rep stressing the rover’s significance.
The goals of the Chang’e-8 Mission
A component of China’s long-range moon exploration plan, the Chang&’e-8 mission will evaluate technologies needed to build a lunar science base. Earth observation, analysis of lunar samples, and trials of resource utilization methods that could underpin future lunar habitats will also be part of the mission scientific experiments.
This assignment is vital for China’s general aim of establishing a research base close the south pole of the Moon by 2035. Reports show that for international projects, the Chinese Chang&’e-8 mission will have never-before-seen 200kg of payload capability. Autonomous from the Moon landing, these payloads could contain tools, rovers, and flight vehicles.
Strengthening Sino-Pakistani Space Ties
Building on the long-term space cooperation between Pakistan and China, the Chang’e-8 mission carries on. Pakistan’s iCube Qamar CubeSat satellite was launched aboard China’s Chang’e-6 mission in 2024 and successfully entered lunar orbit. The most recent endeavor strengthens the two countries’ already strong space alliance.
This relationship is likely to be crucial in boosting lunar research and supporting future lunar exploration efforts. Given Pakistan’s growing interest in space research, this collaboration with China should mark a significant development in international space technology.
