SUPARCO collaborates with China in space missions
The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has announced a historic collaboration with China for the 2028 Chang’e-8 lunar mission, marking Pakistan’s inaugural venture into lunar exploration.
According to a SUPARCO spokesperson,
this partnership is poised to revolutionize research on the Moon and strengthen
ties between the two countries in the field of space science.
As part of the mission, SUPARCO will
provide a 35-kilogram rover equipped to explore the Moon’s south pole.
Scheduled for launch and lunar landing in 2028, the Pakistani rover will focus
on enhancing the mission’s surface analysis and research capabilities.
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Ongoing Collaboration
This groundbreaking initiative follows the success of Pakistan’s earlier
participation in China’s space exploration efforts. In May 2024, Pakistan’s iCube
Qamar, a CubeSat launched aboard China’s Chang’e-6, successfully entered lunar
orbit, marking another milestone in the country’s space exploration journey.
CubeSats, known for their small size
and modular design, are versatile tools for space missions, typically weighing
only a few kilograms. They play a crucial role in facilitating scientific
research, technology development, and educational endeavors.
The iCube Qamar exemplifies the
utility of CubeSats, having contributed to lunar orbit observations and
atmospheric research earlier this year.
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Advancing Space Exploration
SUPARCO’s involvement in Chang’e-8 reflects Pakistan’s ambition to expand its
presence in space exploration. The collaboration not only enhances Pakistan’s
technical capabilities but also aligns with its commitment to fostering
international partnerships in space science.
This mission represents a
significant leap forward for SUPARCO, placing Pakistan among the growing list
of nations contributing to lunar research and exploration.
Source: ARY News