The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has officially named Pakistan’s historic first indigenous lunar rover “Jinnah-1,” marking a pivotal milestone in the nation’s space exploration program. The official naming was announced by SUPARCO leadership during a ceremony in Islamabad.
The name pays tribute to the Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, reflecting the country’s resolve, progress, and commitment to reaching new horizons in space technology.
Pakistan’s first lunar rover has officially been named “Jinnah-1,” marking another major milestone in the country’s growing space exploration programme.
The Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) selected the name after receiving more than 4,000 entries in a… pic.twitter.com/fXG63GNZkN
— Bloom Pakistan (@bloom_pakistan) August 13, 2026
The title was selected through a competitive nationwide campaign that drew over 4,000 public entries. Seven participants proposed the winning title, with 17-year-old Tayyab Karim from Bahawalnagar selected as the official contest winner following a randomized draw.
Scheduled to launch as part of China’s Chang’e-8 lunar exploration initiative, the approximately 35-kilogram rover is slated to land on the Moon’s south pole. Once deployed, Jinnah-1 will operate in an area of immense scientific significance, characterized by unique environmental conditions and potential resources such as water ice.
Equipped with advanced payload instruments independently designed, assembled, and tested by Pakistani scientists and engineers, the rover will carry out core scientific objectives, including:
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Conducting geological surveys and analyzing the composition of lunar soil.
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Studying the lunar surface’s plasma dynamics and radiation environment.
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Testing emerging technologies aimed at supporting future long-duration planetary missions and human exploration.
Pakistani engineers will directly control and operate the rover from Earth throughout its mission.
This milestone builds upon SUPARCO’s expanding international scientific partnerships, following the successful deployment of the ICUBE-Qamar CubeSat aboard China’s Chang’e-6 mission. The deployment of Jinnah-1 represents a major advancement in building indigenous aerospace engineering capabilities and advancing national participation in international space research.
