Pakistan has named its first lunar rover Jinnah-1, which is expected to travel to the Moon’s south pole aboard China’s Chang’e-8 mission in 2029. Developed by Suparco engineers, the roughly 35kg rover will study lunar soil, radiation, plasma and geology. The name was selected from around 4,000 nationwide proposals, with 17-year-old Tayyab Karim winning.

Pakistan has named its first lunar rover 'Jinnah-1', marking a significant step in the country's space programme as it prepares to send the rover to the Moon in 2029 aboard China's Chang'e-8 mission.

Rover to study lunar south pole

The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) announced the name on Thursday, confirming that Jinnah-1 will travel as part of China's Chang'e-8 mission and conduct scientific research at the Moon's south pole. According to Suparco, the rover will study plasma, radiation, and the geology of the lunar surface, while also carrying out experiments relevant to future lunar research and the possibility of human activity on the Moon. Suparco said the name honours Pakistan's founder, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and represents the country's resolve, progress, and new space horizons.

Name chosen through nationwide competition