By Dr Zawwar Hussain
Pakistan’s aspiration to reach the Moon by 2026 was no longer being spoken of as a distant dream but had begun to take shape as a serious national project grounded in science, planning and international cooperation. At a time when public discourse in the country was often dominated by economic stress, political turbulence and security concerns, the language of space exploration carried a quiet but powerful symbolism. It suggested that Pakistan was seeking to redefine itself not only through survival and stability, but through knowledge, innovation and long-term vision.
The recent statements and planning milestones announced by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission marked an important shift in tone. Declaring 2025 a decisive year for space advancement was not mere rhetoric. It reflected a growing confidence within Pakistan’s scientific institutions that the technical groundwork, human resources and partnerships required for a lunar mission were gradually falling into place. The ambition to reach the Moon by 2026 came to represent more than a single mission. It spoke of a broader desire to place Pakistan on a credible scientific trajectory in a world where space technology increasingly shaped economic and strategic power.
This ambition was not born in isolation. Pakistan’s space journey had deep historical roots that were often overlooked in popular narratives. The establishment of SUPARCO in 1961 placed Pakistan among the earliest Asian nations to institutionalize space research. Just a year later, the successful launch of Rehbar One made Pakistan the first Muslim country to send a sounding rocket into space. These achievements occurred during an era dominated by the intense rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, yet Pakistan managed to carve out its own modest but meaningful presence despite limited resources and competing national priorities.
Over the decades that followed, Pakistan’s space program endured periods of stagnation, revival and quiet perseverance. The launch of the Badr satellite series, followed by PakSat 1R and later PakSat MM1, demonstrated that the country had not abandoned its early ambitions. These satellites delivered tangible benefits, particularly in communication, broadcasting, disaster management and meteorology. Satellite-based services reduced reliance on foreign infrastructure and helped conserve valuable foreign exchange, while also improving connectivity in remote and underserved regions. Such outcomes reinforced the argument that space investment was not an abstract luxury but a practical necessity in a modern state.
The deepening space cooperation between Pakistan and China emerged as a pivotal factor in the renewed momentum. China’s rise as a major space power, underscored by its successful lunar missions and Mars exploration, provided Pakistan with access to experience and technology that would otherwise remain out of reach. This partnership was increasingly viewed not as dependency but as strategic collaboration, allowing Pakistan to leapfrog certain developmental stages while building indigenous capacity. In this context, the prospect of participating in lunar research no longer appeared unrealistic. Instead, it seemed like a carefully calculated step within a trusted framework of cooperation.
Globally, the strategic value of space was becoming impossible to ignore. The space economy had already crossed the four hundred billion dollar mark, with projections suggesting it could approach one trillion dollars within the next decade. Satellites now underpinned navigation systems, climate monitoring, financial transactions, national security and digital communication. Countries that invested early in space technologies were reaping both economic dividends and geopolitical leverage. Pakistan’s leadership appeared increasingly aware that remaining absent from this domain would carry long-term costs, not only in scientific standing but in economic competitiveness.
Equally important was the quiet expansion of Pakistan’s human capital in space-related disciplines. Universities across the country reported growing interest in aerospace engineering, astrophysics, remote sensing and geographic information systems. Thousands of young scientists and engineers were already contributing to satellite development, data analysis and research programs. For many of these students, the idea of a lunar mission served as a powerful source of motivation. It suggested that their skills were not destined to remain theoretical or marginal, but could be applied to projects of genuine international relevance.
The scientific value of lunar research itself added further weight to the initiative. The Moon was increasingly seen as a gateway to understanding the early history of the Earth, the dynamics of the solar system and the potential for future space habitation. Research into lunar soil, water ice and mineral composition carried implications for energy resources and long-term human presence beyond Earth. Participation in such research would allow Pakistan to contribute to global scientific knowledge rather than merely consume it, reinforcing its standing within international research networks.
(The writer is a PhD scholar with a strong research and analytical background and can be reached at editorial@metro-Morning.com)
