Pakistan is working with China to launch an orbiter for a moon mission

Pakistan embarks on its first lunar exploration mission in conjunction with China’s Chang’e-6 probe. Led by Pakistan’s Institute of Space Technology (IST) in collaboration with Chinese and domestic agencies, the ICUBE-Q orbiter features dual optical cameras for surface surveillance. This joint effort represents a significant leap forward in Pakistan’s heavenly pursuits.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised this achievement and envisioned progress in satellite communications and scientific research. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar underlines the crucial role of international cooperation in space exploration and announces opportunities for Pakistani youth. The CubeSat ICUBE-Q is expected to orbit the moon for three to six months, collecting crucial data for scientific research and technological innovation.

The Institute of Space Technology (IST) reveals that the ICUBE-Q satellite is designed to collect samples from the far side of the moon, in line with the objectives of China’s Chang’e-6 mission. The integration of the Pakistani orbiter into the Chinese lunar venture marks a deepening of the bond between the two nations in the field of space exploration.

“Like our achievements in the nuclear field, our scientists and engineers are making committed progress in this field,” Prime Minister Sharif said, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to space power.

CubeSats, epitomized by ICUBE-Q, are revolutionizing satellite technology with their small stature and standardized design, providing economical opportunities for scientific research and data retrieval. The successful deployment of ICUBE-Q underlines Pakistan’s growing presence in the field of space technology, paving the way for future collaborative efforts in celestial exploration.