ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has sought deeper cooperation with NASA and the United States aerospace industry as it prepares to launch its first national mission to the Moon by 2035.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal made the remarks during a visit to Houston, where he held meetings with aerospace companies and visited NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
The minister said Pakistan aimed to send a national mission to the Moon by 2035 and establish a sustained lunar presence by 2047.
He said the vision was part of a wider national strategy to build a knowledge-based, research-driven and innovation-led economy.
Iqbal invited American aerospace companies to establish development centres in Pakistan, saying the country wanted to use its young talent and benefit from NASA’s experience, training programmes and scientific expertise.
He said Pakistani engineers, scientists and information technology professionals had the potential to play a strong role in the global space industry if provided with world-class training, research opportunities and international exposure.
Pakistan is also developing a national space education programme to promote scientific curiosity among young people.
A proposed Space Exploration Center in Narowal is expected to inspire future scientists, researchers and innovators.
The initiative comes as Pakistan seeks to expand its space cooperation beyond China and strengthen partnerships in science, research and technology.
Officials said cooperation with NASA could open a new chapter in Pakistan-US relations based on innovation, space education and advanced technology.
