Pakistan names first lunar rover ‘Jinnah-1’, set to explore Moon’s south pole in 2029

Pakistan has officially named its inaugural lunar rover, "Jinnah-1", with the mission set to explore the Moon's south pole in 2029, according to Dawn. The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) made the announcement at a ceremony in Islamabad on Thursday. The rover is expected to study various aspects of the lunar surface, including plasma, radiation, and geology, and conduct experiments relevant to future exploration.

The name "Jinnah-1" pays tribute to Pakistan's founder, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and represents "Pakistan's resolve, progress, and new space horizons," according to Suparco's chairman. The rover's selection followed a nationwide competition, with 17-year-old Tayyab Karim from Bahawalnagar emerging victorious after 4,000 proposed names were submitted.

The lunar south pole has become a focal point of international interest due to its permanently shadowed craters, which may contain deposits of water ice. This ice could potentially support astronauts and serve as a resource for fuel and breathable oxygen in future lunar bases. China's Chang'e-8 mission, slated for 2029, will explore the lunar south pole and test technologies to support long-term scientific activity on the Moon.

Pakistan's participation in this mission comes after its successful collaboration with China in 2024, when its ICUBE-Qamar satellite traveled aboard China's Chang'e-6 spacecraft and entered lunar orbit.