Islamabad (Web Desk) — The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has officially announced that Pakistan’s first lunar rover will be named “Jinnah-1.”
According to SUPARCO, the name was selected from more than 4,000 entries received during a nationwide competition, while the name “Jinnah-1” was suggested by seven participants. Through a draw, 17-year-old Tayyab Karim from Bahawalnagar was declared the winner.
Addressing the ceremony, the chairman of SUPARCO said that the name “Jinnah-1” pays tribute to the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, while also symbolizing Pakistan’s determination, progress, and new space horizons.
According to SUPARCO, Pakistan’s first lunar rover will be sent to the Moon in 2029 through China’s Chang’e-8 mission, where “Jinnah-1” will conduct scientific research at the Moon’s south pole.
The Pakistani-built lunar rover will study plasma, radiation, and surface geography on the Moon, while also supporting important experiments related to future lunar research and human presence on the Moon.
SUPARCO said that “Jinnah-1” will be a major milestone in Pakistan’s space research journey and will help open new avenues in scientific and technological fields.