Today, Pakistan's maiden satellite mission to the moon embarked on its journey from China, witnessed by a team of Pakistani experts at the Hainan Space Launch Site as it was launched into space.
Pakistan's pioneering satellite mission, named "iCube Qamar," was successfully dispatched to the moon. This historic event unfolded at 2:18 PM Pakistan time on May 3, as the launch took place from China's Hainan Space Launch Site.
A contingent of Pakistani experts graced the space center on this momentous occasion. As the satellite mission embarked on its journey, the National Anthem of Pakistan reverberated across the launch site, punctuated by the resounding chant of "Takbeer."
Originally slated for liftoff at 12:50 PM, the space mission experienced a delay due to inclement weather conditions. Consequently, the departure time for Chang'e-6 was adjusted. Prior to the final countdown, the Chang'e-6 mission underwent rigorous final checks and rehearsals, ensuring all systems were primed for launch.
Dr. Khurram Khurshid, a member of the Core Committee at the Institute of Space Technology, highlighted that the design and development of iCube Qamar were accomplished through collaboration with China and Sparco. Notably, iCube Qamar is equipped with two cameras designed to capture images of the moon.
The Pakistani satellite, weighing 7 kg, is set to orbit the moon. Images captured during this mission will be utilized for research endeavors.
Pakistan's satellite, iCube Qamar, is intricately linked with the Chinese mission. Weighing 7 kilograms, the iCube Q2 is outfitted with optical cameras designated for capturing images of the lunar surface.
The Chang'e-6 mission is slated to journey for 5 days to reach the Moon, while the iCube Qamar will commence its orbit around the lunar surface. Expected to remain in lunar orbit for a duration of 3 to 6 months.
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iCube will capture images of the Qamar South Pole, with its initial data transmission received by the Chinese Space Agency. Simultaneously, this data will also be relayed to Sparco and the Institute of Space Technology in Pakistan.
The aim of China's Chang'e Six mission is to retrieve lunar samples, while the iCube Qamar, crafted by Pakistani scientists, is poised for its own lunar exploration. Chinese experts affirm that weather conditions are favorable, ensuring the mission's timely arrival on the lunar surface.
Director of the Institute of Space Technology, Shafaat Ali, emphasized the significance of this mission for future endeavors. Dr. Khurram Khurshid, a core member, expressed great joy and optimism regarding the mission's success, extending congratulations to all of Pakistan on the satellite's launch. Within the next five days, our satellite is slated to reach the moon, marking a significant milestone for our nation
