Brussels/Islamabad, (Unib Rashid) – Pakistan has officially announced its first indigenously designed and developed lunar rover, “Jinnah-I,” marking a significant milestone in the country’s space exploration programme.
The rover has been developed by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and is planned to participate in China’s Chang’e-8 lunar mission, scheduled for 2028. The Pakistani rover is expected to explore the lunar South Pole, an area of growing scientific interest for future lunar exploration.
SUPARCO has officially announced Pakistan's first Lunar Rover "Jinnah-I" 🌙 🇵🇰
— Pakistan Strategic Forum (@ForumStrategic) August 17, 2026
SUPARCO’s indigenously developed & designed lunar rover, Jinnah-1, is a 35x kg rover planned to participate in China’s Chang’e-8 mission in 2028, with the Pakistan's rover to explore the lunar South… pic.twitter.com/JBXtXmkLDS
According to details released by SUPARCO, Jinnah-I will have a mass of approximately 35 kilograms and will carry out a range of scientific and technological activities on the lunar surface.
The mission’s key objectives include exploring the lunar surface, studying lunar soil and the surrounding lunar environment, and mapping the terrain to enhance scientific understanding of the Moon.
The rover will also conduct scientific experiments and test technologies that could contribute to future lunar and planetary exploration missions.
The development of Jinnah-I represents an important step forward for Pakistan’s space programme and reflects the country’s growing focus on indigenous space technology, scientific research and international cooperation in space exploration.
Pakistan’s participation in the Chang’e-8 mission is also expected to provide Pakistani scientists and engineers with valuable experience in lunar exploration and advanced space technologies.
The mission will further strengthen Pakistan-China cooperation in the field of space science and technology and provide Pakistan an opportunity to contribute to international efforts to explore the Moon.
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