Pakistan, China Sign MoU for 2028 Chang’E 8 Lunar Exploration
Pakistan and China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to include Pakistan’s first lunar rover in Beijing’s Chang’E 8 mission, marking a significant milestone for the country’s space program, according to Islamabad’s national space agency.
The Chang’E 8 mission, set to launch in 2028, aims to explore the lunar south pole with robotic technology. While Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) had previously announced plans for a lunar rover, the formal agreement was finalized during President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to China.
In a statement, SUPARCO called the collaboration a “historic leap in deep space exploration,” highlighting Pakistan’s role in the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) initiative. The Pakistani lunar rover will carry advanced scientific payloads, including contributions from Chinese and European scientists, to conduct detailed analysis of the lunar surface, soil composition, radiation levels, and plasma properties.
This joint effort enhances Pakistan’s scientific and technological presence in space exploration. Pakistani scientists will have the ability to remotely operate the rover from Earth, allowing real-time mapping and research on the Moon’s south pole. The mission will also help test new technologies aimed at enabling sustainable human presence on the Moon.
Pakistan has already made strides in space exploration, having launched its first lunar satellite aboard China’s Chang’e-6 probe in May 2023. The mission successfully landed on the Moon’s South Pole-Aitken Basin and returned samples to Earth, reinforcing China’s leadership in deep space research.