Pakistan Set to Launch Its Own Satellite to the Moon Soon, SPARCO Officials Announce

Islamabad:Pakistan’s space agency, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), has announced exciting news that Pakistan will soon send its own satellite to the moon. The preparation for this mission has already begun locally.

SUPARCO’s Deputy Chief Manager Asim Shabbir Zidi and Deputy Manager Dr. Yasir, in separate interviews, shared that Pakistan has officially initiated preparations for landing on the moon. They mentioned that the local development and design work for the lunar vehicle to be sent to the moon is progressing rapidly.

Dr. Yasir revealed that the 35-kilogram lunar vehicle is being developed locally and will not be imported. However, he noted that the actual moon landing would take approximately three years. “We are planning to land our satellite on the moon by 2028, and work on its design and preparation is already underway,” Dr. Yasir added.

In an interview with a private TV channel, Asim Shabbir Zidi stated that Pakistan has decided to send satellites to the moon and beyond, with plans to expand its space research. When asked about collaboration with China, Zidi explained that cooperation between the two countries continues in space and technology sectors. He emphasized that space is a field that belongs to all of humanity.

Zidi further explained that SUPARCO is focusing on local space research, which includes not only landing on the moon but also launching various satellite systems. He assured that progress is being made, and Pakistan will soon have more positive news to share.

Regarding the potential launch of Starlink in Pakistan, Zidi mentioned that Elon Musk’s Starlink system, a new satellite constellation providing high-latency communication services, is currently being evaluated for licensing in Pakistan. Once the process is complete, Starlink will be launched in the country.

It’s worth noting that Pakistan successfully launched its first locally developed satellite, EO-1, on Friday. In 2024, the country also launched the MM-1 communications satellite, which is expected to enhance broadband internet services nationwide. SUPARCO and the Space Technology Institute’s series of successes continue, with the successful orbit insertion of the moon’s orbit in collaboration with China in 2024.

In a significant milestone last year, Pakistan launched the “I Cube Qamar” satellite into the moon’s orbit, and based on that success, the decision to advance into deep space exploration was made.