Pakistan's moment of pride as it embarks on first lunar mission
Technology
The launch activity is being telecast live on IST website and social media platforms
- ICUBE-Q will facilitate scientific research, technology development, and educational initiatives
- Will offer opportunities for universities, research institutions, and commercial entities to participate in space missions
ISLAMABAD (APP/Dunya News) - Pakistan’s historic lunar mission (ICUBE-Q) has been launched on Friday on board China’s Chang’E6 from Hainan, China.
According to the IST, the satellite ICUBE-Q has been designed and developed by IST in collaboration with China’s Shanghai University SJTU and Pakistan’s national space agency SUPARCO.
ICUBE-Q orbiter carries two optical cameras to image the lunar surface. Following successful qualification and testing, ICUBE-Q has now been integrated with the Chang’e6 mission.
Chang’e6 is the sixth in a series of China’s lunar exploration missions.
The launch activity was telecasted live on the IST website and social media platforms. Chang’6, China’s Lunar Mission will touch down on the Moon’s far side to collect samples from the surface and return to Earth for research.
PM extends congratulations
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated the nation and scientists for sending Pakistan's first satellite to the moon. He said, 'ICUBE Qamar' satellite is Pakistan’s first step into space. Like the nuclear field, our scientists, engineers are working hard in this field as well.
Prime Minster paid tribute to the committee of the Institute Of Space Technology, its member Dr. Khurram Khurshid, all the team including SPARCO, especially the students who participated in the project.
He said, the Pakistan-China friendship today has crossed the border of space as well.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, this achievement will enhance Pakistan’s capabilities in the field of satellite communications, and also create new opportunities for scientific research, economic development and national security. Prime Minister said, the sons of Pakistan proved that they have the ability, passion and skills to conquer even space.
Dr. Khurram has announced a significant milestone for Pakistan's scientific endeavors, emphasizing the nation's commitment to progress through a mission focused on education, scientific research, technical development, and space exploration.
He declared that Pakistan will possess its own satellite images of the moon for research purposes.
This development comes after the Chinese National Space Agency extended an invitation to member states of the Asia Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO) to explore the moon's orbit in 2022.
Acting on APSCO's recommendation, member states, including Pakistan, China, Turkey, Thailand, South Korea, Iran, Bangladesh, and Peru, submitted proposals for the space project.
Among these proposals, only the one from the Institute of Space Technology was accepted.
After two years of hard work and dedication, Pakistan has achieved a significant milestone by launching the satellite 'ICUBE Qamar'.
This accomplishment marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan's space exploration journey.
Significance for Pakistan
The mission holds significance for Pakistan as it will also take its CubeSat Satellite iCube-Q, developed by IST.
CubeSats are miniature satellites typically characterised by their small size and standardised design. They are constructed in a cubic shape, consisting of modular components that adhere to specific size constraints.
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These satellites often weigh no more than a few kilogrammes and are deployed in space for various purposes. The primary purpose of cubesats is to facilitate scientific research, technology development, and educational initiatives in space exploration.
These satellites are utilised for a wide range of missions, including Earth observations, remote sensing, atmospheric research, communications, astronomy, and technology demonstration.
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Due to their compact size and relatively low cost compared to traditional satellites, CubeSats offer opportunities for universities, research institutions, and commercial entities to participate in space missions and gather valuable data for scientific advancement and innovation.
They serve as platforms for testing new technologies and concepts, enabling access to space for a broader range of users and promoting collaboration within the space community.
