Pakistan’s Jinnah-1 Heading to the Moon

Pakistan is taking another step forward in its space programme. Work has begun on the country’s first indigenous lunar rover, Jinnah-1. The rover is planned to be sent to the Moon as part of China’s Chang’e-8 lunar mission.
Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) Chairman Muhammad Yusuf Khan shared the information at an event marking World Space Week Pakistan.
He said satellite technology is increasingly being used in Pakistan in sectors including agriculture, urban planning and disaster management. Preparations for lunar exploration and human spaceflight are also progressing with Chinese support.
According to the SUPARCO chairman, Jinnah-1 will be sent to the Moon through the Chang’e-8 mission and is planned to land in the lunar south polar region.
The rover mission is currently scheduled for 2028. SUPARCO also said in an August announcement that Jinnah-1 would be launched with Chang’e-8.
The rover will weigh about 35 kilograms and conduct scientific research on the lunar surface. It will collect data on lunar soil, terrain and the space environment. It will also test technologies needed for future lunar missions.
Pakistan has already expanded the use of satellite technology in several sectors. According to the SUPARCO chairman, six Earth-observation satellites are supporting agriculture, urban planning and disaster management.
Source: Samaa TV