Pakistan aims to land on Moon by 2035 as India targets 2040
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims·
Space technology and international cooperation: a relevant GS2 and GS3 topic for regional dynamics.
Why in news
Pakistan's Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced a goal to land on the Moon by 2035 and a mission to send a payload specialist to China's Tiangong space station.
Background
Pakistan's SUPARCO signed an agreement with the China Manned Space Agency in February 2025. The mission involves a Pakistani astronaut serving as a payload specialist on China's Tiangong space station.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TSUPARCO: Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission is Pakistan's space agency
- FactPakistan aims for a lunar landing by 2035, while India targets 2040
- S&TTiangong: China's space station where the Pakistani astronaut will serve as a payload specialist
- PlaceChina Astronaut Research and Training Centre is located in Beijing
Prelims practice question
With reference to space exploration and cooperation in the region, consider the following statements:
- A Pakistani astronaut will serve as a payload specialist on China's Tiangong space station.
- Pakistan aims to land on the Moon by the year 2040.
- SUPARCO is the space agency of Pakistan.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)3 only
- (c)1 and 2 only
- (d)1 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (d) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: Pakistan aims for a lunar landing by 2035.
For Mains
Q. Examine how space technology cooperation between regional powers influences the geopolitical dynamics and technological advancement of South Asian nations.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Technological dependency: Pakistan's reliance on China's launch vehicles and space station infrastructure
- Strategic alignment: Use of space science for national security and climate monitoring in regional competition
- Space race dynamics: Comparative lunar landing timelines as a metric of regional technological parity
Keywords: Space Exploration · Tiangong Space Station · SUPARCO · Payload Specialist · Lunar Landing · Technological Advancement
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.