Jinnah-1 will become Pakistan’s first lunar rover after the national space agency selected the name through a nationwide public competition. The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) received around 4,000 entries during the naming contest. Seven participants proposed the name “Jinnah-1”. A lucky draw selected 17-year-old Tayyab Karim from Bahawalnagar as the winning entrant. Suparco Chairman Muhammad Yousuf Khan paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He said the rover reflects Pakistan’s ambitions in space science and deep-space exploration. Jinnah-1 is scheduled to travel to the Moon in 2029 as part of China’s Chang’e-8 mission. The rover will conduct scientific research near the lunar south pole. Scientists have shown particular interest in the region because permanently shadowed areas may contain water ice. Such resources could play an important role in future lunar exploration. The mission will give Pakistan an opportunity to expand its experience in lunar science and space technology. It also represents another step in the country’s growing space cooperation with China. Atif Aslam: Pakistani singer says he misses Indian fans and Bollywood connection China has supported several Pakistani satellite and space technology projects. Pakistan also launched a locally developed Earth-observation satellite from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre last year. The Jinnah-1 mission could therefore strengthen Pakistan’s scientific capabilities and provide researchers with valuable experience in lunar exploration. Post navigation Intel Chipmaker plans $15bn share sale to fund manufacturing expansion
