Pak satellite IQube Moon will be launched today

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan today embarks on its lunar satellite mission “IQube Moon” from China’s Hainan Space Launch Site to travel into space for a lunar expedition. The goal is to land on the moon’s hidden south pole to collect dust and rock samples. According to the Institute of Space Technology, this crucial satellite mission will take off with the Chinese spacecraft ‘Chang’e 6’ to explore the surface of the moon. After the success of the “IQube Q” satellite mission, Pakistan joins the ranks of the few countries that have placed satellites in the lunar orbit.

Dr. Khurram Khurshid, a member of the team working on the Institute of Space Technology’s IQube Q, revealed in an interview with The Nation that university students developed the satellite in collaboration with Shanghai University and Pakistan’s National Space Agency (SUPARCO).

WHAT WILL IQUBE MOON DO?

The satellite “IQube Moon” is a small satellite of approximately six kilograms. It features two optical cameras designed to capture images of the moon’s surface.

Equipped with a 12-volt battery powered by solar panels, the satellite will orbit the moon for three months and transmit images of changes in lunar weather to the Institute of Space Technology. Dr. Khurram Khurshid confirmed that after successful testing and capability phases, “IQube Moon” has been integrated with the “Chang’e 6” mission.

The spacecraft will reach the lunar orbit after five days, where the Pakistani satellite will continue its independent orbit around the moon’s periphery for three to six months, completing an orbit around the moon every twelve hours. Dr. Khurram highlighted the various applications of CubeSats including Earth observation, environmental studies, remote sensing, telecommunications, astronomy and demonstrating new technologies.

WHAT BENEFITS WILL PAKISTAN GET FROM THE SATELLITE MISSION?

Pakistan launched its first meteorological rocket, Rehbar-I, into space in 1962, but despite this milestone, progress in the country’s space exploration has been slow. Professor Khurram Khurshid believes that this mission will expand Pakistan’s space program and pave the way for future plans to explore the moon.

He stated that the images obtained from the satellite will be used for research purposes, which will provide greater insight into the lunar surface.

He further stated that this satellite will play an important role in launching future space missions for Pakistan.

According to him, every phase of this mission is crucial as its success will provide valuable information and instill confidence in Pakistan’s ability to send missions into space in the future.

He said such projects are crucial for the youth of Pakistan who are interested in this field and will lead to significant success in space exploration in the future.

Pakistan sent its “IQube One” into orbit in 2013, developed by the Institute of Space Technology.

Prof Khurram stated that the success of “IQube One” boosted morale, leading to the decision to send satellites into lunar orbit.

HOW DOES PAKISTAN COOPERATE WITH CHINA’S SPACE PROGRAM?

He responded that China offered member states of the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO) the opportunity to participate in its “Chang’e 6” moon mission.

He described this as an important offer, as sending missions or satellites to the moon is a costly undertaking that requires significant investments.

He stated that when China chose Pakistan’s program over others, it was a major achievement for Pakistan.

He explained that the cost of putting a satellite into orbit is primarily the cost of the spacecraft, and Pakistan was fortunate to receive it free of charge.

He said the Institute of Space Technology has been working on it for two years and testing has been successful for the past seven months.