Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has announced Pakistan's ambitious goal to launch its first national mission to the Moon by 2035, following meetings with NASA officials and American aerospace companies in Houston, Texas. The minister, who visited the NASA Johnson Space Center on July 10, 2026, emphasized that the lunar mission is part of a broader strategy to transition Pakistan into a knowledge-based economy.
Pakistan's Lunar Ambitions
According to a statement from the Planning Ministry, Iqbal outlined a vision that includes establishing a sustained lunar presence by 2047. “Pakistan aims to send a national mission to the Moon by 2035 and establish a sustained lunar presence by 2047,” he said. The minister stressed that this vision extends beyond space missions, forming part of a national strategy to build an innovation-led economy.
Pakistan's space program currently relies heavily on collaboration with China. Earlier this year, two Pakistani astronaut candidates completed advanced assessments in China for a human spaceflight mission, with one expected to travel to a Chinese space station later this year. Pakistan has also partnered with China on satellite launches and lunar exploration projects.
Deepening Ties with NASA
Iqbal's visit to Houston aimed to broaden Pakistan's space cooperation beyond China. He invited American aerospace companies to establish development centers in Pakistan, highlighting the country's young talent pool. “This vision is not limited to space missions alone, but forms part of a wider national strategy to lay the foundations of a knowledge-based, research-driven and innovation-led economy,” Iqbal stated.
The minister expressed a desire to leverage NASA's experience, training programs, and scientific expertise to strengthen Pakistan's capabilities in space science and technology. He noted that Pakistani engineers, scientists, and IT professionals could play a prominent role in the global space industry if provided with world-class training and research opportunities.
National Space Education Program
As part of its space ambitions, Pakistan is developing a national space education program to promote scientific curiosity among young people. A proposed Space Exploration Center in Narowal is intended to inspire future scientists and inventors. Iqbal said cooperation with NASA and the US aerospace industry could open a new chapter in scientific research and technology collaboration.
The minister added that Pakistan wants to anchor its relationship with the US increasingly in science, innovation, and technology. The visit underscores Pakistan's commitment to advancing its space program through global partnerships and modern research.
