To the Moon, on China's back: Pakistan eyes lunar landing by 2035
The discussion between the two sides, framed as strategic cooperation, underscored a starker truth: Pakistan's space ambitions are increasingly "made in China". From satellite launches to nuclear tech, Beijing continues to be the engine behind Islamabad's scientific aspirations.PAK'S MADE IN CHINA SPACE DREAMSWhen it comes to space, Pakistan has a recurring launch partner, and it's not hard to guess who. Every single one of Pakistan's space missions has been powered by Chinese support. From satellites to lunar dreams, Beijing is the co-pilot.Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal recently revealed that three "Pakistani-made" satellites were launched with substantial help from China, of course. Islamabad also hopes to send its first astronaut to space by 2026 by hitching a ride on China's space station, not via any independent platform of its own.Just last month, a new Pakistani remote-sensing satellite was launched from China's Xichang Satellite Launch Centre, aimed at tackling climate change threats. But while it carried a Pakistani flag, the technical muscle came courtesy of China and a helping hand from SUPARCO.Iqbal also championed the "Uraan Pakistan" initiative, claiming Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has breathed new life into the country's space ambitions. Uraan, led by SUPARCO, is Pakistan's national space program, though much of the lift still comes from outside its borders.The dependency continues to deepen. Earlier this year, Pakistan signed on to participate in China's Chang'e 8 mission, part of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), scheduled for 2028. SUPARCO is expected to contribute a 35-kilogram indigenous rover to explore the Moon's elusive South Pole.According to NASA, Chang'e 8 is meant to test critical technologies for building a permanent lunar science base. For Pakistan, it's a rare opportunity to be part of a cutting-edge global mission.WHAT'S HOLDING BACK PAK'S SPACE AGENCYPakistan launched its official space program on September 16, 1961, under the leadership of Nobel laureate Dr Abdus Salam, who served as scientific advisor to then-President Ayub Khan. He established the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), which at the time positioned Pakistan as one of the early entrants into space research.advertisementHowever, SUPARCO has since struggled to make significant advancements with chronic underfunding being one of the primary reasons. With an annual budget of just $36 million (approximately PKR 290 crore), the agency operates on a fraction of what leading space programs receive.Leadership challenges have further compounded the stagnation. Over the past decade, SUPARCO has been headed by retired military generals rather than seasoned scientists, leading to criticism about the lack of scientific vision and technical expertise at the helm.Besides, very few universities in Pakistan offer specialised programs in space science or engineering, resulting in a shortage of skilled professionals who can contribute to long-term innovation and self-reliance in the sector.In terms of capability, Pakistan remains heavily reliant on China for satellite launches, technical support, and infrastructure development. This dependency has curbed the growth of indigenous aerospace technology. Meanwhile, broader economic strains have also impacted Pakistan's ability to sustain scientific collaboration. The government has repeatedly failed to meet its financial commitments under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with overdue payments to Chinese power producers reaching PKR 423 billion by June 2025, according to The Express Tribune. advertisementIn response, senior Chinese official Shan Zhongde reiterated Beijing's commitment to the partnership and lauded Pakistan's alignment with the country's strategic goals. However, his remarks subtly reinforced the perception that Pakistan's scientific or economic progress is increasingly driven by Chinese support.- Ends
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