WNAM REPORT: As the national space agency, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) continues to serve as a key enabler for space development in the country. Through its initiatives in space education, awareness, and international collaboration, SUPARCO facilitates academic institutions and youth in accessing global platforms and contributing to the space sector.
In this context, students from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) have advanced to the final round of the 6th Kibo Robot Programming Challenge (Kibo-RPC) 2025—an international robotics competition conducted aboard the Japanese Kibo module of the International Space Station (ISS). The challenge is organized by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).
This year, 51 student teams from around the world competed for the prestigious UNOOSA slot in the Kibo Robot Programming Challenge—an international space robotics competition. After a highly competitive selection process, Team “5AM” from NUST emerged as the top-ranked team, securing their spot among the final 13 teams globally. In the final round, these elite teams will program free-flying robots aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to carry out complex autonomous missions in a real microgravity environment.
Kibo-RPC provides a unique platform for students to apply advanced programming, robotics, and problem-solving skills under actual microgravity conditions aboard the ISS. The participation of a Pakistani university in the final round highlights the increasing engagement of national academic institutions in international space initiatives.
SUPARCO remains committed to strengthening national capabilities in space science and technology through structured educational outreach and by supporting emerging talent in the field.
