Pakistan has achieved a historic milestone in space exploration as its first satellite mission to the moon, iCube Qamar, has been launched today aboard China’s Chang’E6 spacecraft. The momentous event, a collaborative effort between Pakistan’s Institute of Space Technology (IST) and China’s Shanghai University, is set to commence from Hainan, China.
Dr. Khurram Khurshid, a key figure in the project and member of the Core Committee at IST, disclosed that the satellite is slated to embark on its journey at 2:18 pm Pakistan time. The launch proceedings will be broadcast live on the IST website starting at 12:50 pm.
In an exclusive interview with Geo News, Dr. Khurshid elaborated on the mission’s objectives, noting that iCube Qamar will traverse to the lunar orbit within five days of its launch, where it will conduct a comprehensive survey of the moon’s surface over a duration of three to six months. The satellite is equipped with advanced optical cameras to capture high-resolution images, providing Pakistan with invaluable resources for lunar research.
The collaborative effort underscores Pakistan’s growing prowess in space technology, with iCube-Q being the product of joint endeavors between IST, Shanghai University, and Pakistan’s national space agency, SUPARCO. The satellite, an orbiter, is part of the broader Chang’E6 mission, which aims to land on the moon’s far side to collect samples for further analysis on Earth.
The significance of this mission extends beyond scientific exploration, as it symbolizes Pakistan’s entry into the realm of lunar exploration. iCube Qamar, a CubeSat satellite, represents a paradigm shift in satellite design and functionality. CubeSats, characterized by their compact size and modular components, serve as versatile platforms for scientific research, technological innovation, and educational initiatives in space exploration.
As the countdown to the launch continues, anticipation mounts for the historic moment when Pakistan’s aspirations for celestial exploration take flight aboard China’s Chang’E6 mission, propelling the nation to new heights in space exploration.
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