Pakistan to Send First Lunar Rover with China’s Chang’e-8 Mission in 2028

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has officially begun work on sending its first robotic lunar rover to the Moon, with a target launch date set before 2028, according to the national space agency SUPARCO.

Speaking to a private TV channel, Dr. Adnan Aslam, General Manager of SUPARCO (Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission), revealed that Pakistan is developing a robotic rover that will be part of China’s Chang’e-8 lunar mission scheduled for launch in 2028. He added that Pakistan is also working on a long-term goal of sending an astronaut to the Moon, though further details on that initiative have not been disclosed.

The Chang’e-8 mission will launch from China’s Wenchang Space Launch Center and aims to land on the Moon’s south pole. If successful, Pakistan will become the sixth country in the world to place a rover on the lunar surface.

The Pakistani rover is expected to weigh around 35 kilograms and will conduct scientific research and surface analysis on the Moon’s south pole alongside the Chinese lander. As part of public engagement efforts, SUPARCO has also launched a nationwide competition to name the rover.

This mission aligns with Pakistan’s National Space Policy and Vision 2047, reflecting a broader ambition to expand its presence in space science and technology.

Read more: Space tech to support SUPARO in handling natural disasters

Earlier this year, on October 19, 2025, Pakistan successfully launched its first Hyperspectral Satellite (HS-1) with China’s cooperation. This satellite is designed to support infrastructure mapping, urban planning, agricultural monitoring, environmental assessment, and disaster prediction including floods and landslides.

The HS-1 is Pakistan’s third satellite in orbit, following the successful launches of EO-1 and PRSS-1 (KS-1), both of which remain fully operational.

SUPARCO emphasized that the HS-1 satellite will play a key role in monitoring climate change, geological risks, and natural disasters in real time — paving the way for a modern, data-driven approach to national planning and environmental management.

These recent developments mark significant progress in Pakistan’s space journey and highlight its growing cooperation with China in aerospace and scientific exploration.