Now Reading: Pakistan names first lunar rover Jinnah-1, 2029 Moon mission with China
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Pakistan names first lunar rover Jinnah-1, 2029 Moon mission with China
Pakistan names first lunar rover Jinnah-1, 2029 Moon mission with China
Pakistan has announced its first lunar rover, Jinnah-1, named after the country's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) revealed the name on Thursday after a nationwide…
The Story in Brief
Pakistan has announced its first lunar rover, Jinnah-1, named after the country's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) revealed the name on Thursday after a nationwide public competition that drew around 4,000 entries. The rover is scheduled to travel to the Moon in 2029 aboard China's Chang'e-8 mission, targeting the south polar region.
According to SUPARCO, Jinnah-1 will study plasma, radiation, and surface geology. The Times of India reports the rover weighs about 35 kg and carries instruments including a Terrain Testing Instrument. China is providing the lander, while Pakistani engineers will operate the rover after deployment. India landed its Chandrayaan-3 mission near the lunar south pole in August 2023, the first country to do so.
The Indian Opinion
The predictable 'Pakistan is now in a Moon race with India' framing from sections of Indian media misses the point. Jinnah-1 is hitching a ride on China's Chang'e-8, not launching its own mission. With an estimated mass of 35 kg versus ISRO's Pragyan rover (27 kg), this is a fledgling programme, not a challenge. The real test will be whether SUPARCO can build and deliver the rover on time, or if 2029 slips, as earlier 2028 plans did.
Sources (2): hindustantimes.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
