Pakistan Aims for the Moon with Chinese Partnership by 2035

Pakistan, which began its space research program almost a decade earlier than India, has revealed ambitious plans to land a spacecraft on the Moon by 2035. This announcement, made by Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, comes amid the nation's struggles with rising terrorist attacks and economic instability.

During a meeting in Beijing with Chinese officials, including China's Atomic Energy Authority and Space Agency head Shan Zhongde, Iqbal emphasized Pakistan's need for increased reliance on China's advanced technologies to bolster its space and nuclear programs. The task for the upcoming lunar mission has been delegated to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), which so far hasn't launched any space missions independently, relying significantly on Chinese assistance.

Pakistan is set to contribute a 35-kilogram lunar rover to China's Chang'e-8 mission in 2028, which focuses on exploring the Moon's south pole. In contrast, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made notable advancements, including successful lunar and Mars missions. While Pakistan's space endeavors remain closely tied with Chinese collaboration, India is set to launch its first manned space mission by early 2027.

(With inputs from agencies.)