Pakistan has named its first lunar rover “Jinnah-1”, the national space agency announced Thursday after a nationwide competition.
The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) said it received around 4,000 submissions during the public naming contest.
Seven participants suggested the name “Jinnah-1”, with a lucky draw selecting 17-year-old Tayyab Karim from Bahawalnagar as the winner.
Suparco Chairman Muhammad Yousuf Khan paid tribute to Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, saying the rover represents the country’s ambitions in space science and deep-space exploration.
Jinnah-1 to explore Moon’s south pole
The rover is scheduled to travel to the Moon as part of China’s Chang’e-8 mission in 2029.
Jinnah-1 will conduct scientific research around the lunar south pole, an area that has attracted international attention because scientists believe water ice may exist in permanently shadowed regions.
The rover’s mission is expected to contribute to Pakistan’s growing involvement in lunar exploration and space research.
The project also highlights the expanding space cooperation between Pakistan and China, which has supported several Pakistani satellite and space technology projects.
Pakistan launched its first locally developed observation satellite from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre last year, strengthening bilateral cooperation in space technology.
The Jinnah-1 mission is expected to provide Pakistan with an opportunity to participate in scientific research beyond Earth and develop further expertise in lunar exploration.
