Pakistan’s iCube Qamar satellite successfully enters Moon’s orbit

In a historic feat for Pakistan’s space ambitions, the nation’s maiden satellite, iCube Qamar, has achieved a remarkable milestone by entering the orbit of the moon. The successful maneuver, marking a significant triumph for Pakistan’s space program, was accomplished as the iCube Qamar hitched a ride aboard China’s Chang’e 6 shuttle, soaring into space on May 3.

Reports from the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), the entity responsible for overseeing the satellite’s development, indicate that the iCube Qamar has seamlessly transitioned into its designated orbit around the moon. A spokesperson from Suparco confirmed that the satellite has commenced its operations as planned. Initial data streaming from the satellite’s various subsystems reveals promising results, affirming the functionality of its imaging payload.

Witnessing this historic moment firsthand, the core team behind the iCube Qamar project was stationed at the control center in China, closely monitoring the satellite’s journey into lunar orbit. Cortem, a key contributor to the mission, facilitated the smooth integration of the satellite into its orbital path, ensuring a flawless transition.

Looking forward, Suparco anticipates that the iCube Qamar will begin transmitting its inaugural images from the lunar surface on May 16. In the ensuing days, rigorous testing of the satellite’s control systems will be conducted, further validating its operational efficiency.

The iCube Qamar, weighing approximately 7kg, was developed over a span of two years by the Electrical Engineering Department of the Institute of Space Technology (IST) in Islamabad. The launch event, broadcasted live on IST’s website and social media platforms, was accompanied by a sense of national pride, with Pakistan joining the esteemed ranks of six nations that have journeyed to the moon.

The triumphant launch was underscored by the playing of the national anthem, symbolizing a moment of unity and accomplishment for the nation as iCube Qamar embarked on its mission into the cosmos.