Pakistan launches first moon mission: iCube Qamar

Pakistan is all set to launch its first moon mission, iCUBE, today. The project is an important milestone for the country’s space exploration efforts.

Pakistan launches first moon mission: iCube Qamar
Pakistan launches first moon mission: iCube Qamar

According to the Institute of Space Technology, the ICUBE-Q satellite was designed and developed by IST in collaboration with China’s Shanghai University SJTU and Pakistan’s National Space Agency SUPARCO.

The launch activity was broadcast live on the IST website and on Chinese state television.

The ICUBE-Q orbiter has two optical cameras to image the lunar surface. After successful qualification and testing, ICUBE-Q has now been integrated with the Chang’e6 mission.

Chang’e6 is the sixth in a series of Chinese lunar exploration missions.

Chang’6, the Chinese lunar mission, will land on the far side of the moon to collect samples from the surface and return to Earth for research.

The mission is important for Pakistan as it also requires a Pakistan CubeSat Satellite iCube-Q developed by IST.

The primary purpose of iCUBE is to observe and study the lunar surface and its environment. It will carry several scientific instruments and payloads to collect data that will help understand the moon’s topography, mineral composition and other geological features. This information will contribute to global knowledge of the moon and support future lunar exploration missions.

The development of iCUBE is a testament to Pakistan’s growing capabilities in space technology. It demonstrates the country’s commitment to advancing its space program and contributing to the international scientific community. The project involved collaboration with multiple organizations, including IST, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and other academic institutions.

The launch of iCUBE marks a significant achievement for Pakistan in the field of space exploration. It demonstrates the country’s ability to develop and launch satellites for scientific research purposes. Moreover, it opens up new opportunities for Pakistan to participate in international space missions and collaborations.

The success of the iCUBE mission will depend on several factors, including the satellite’s deployment to orbit and its performance during its operational life. Once in orbit, iCUBE begins its mission to collect data about the lunar surface, which will be sent back to Earth for analysis.

The iCUBE mission is not only a scientific endeavor but also a source of inspiration for the youth of Pakistan. It encourages young scientists and engineers to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields and contributes to the development of a skilled workforce in the country.

In short, Pakistan’s launch of its first moon mission, iCUBE, is a major milestone in the country’s space exploration journey. It represents Pakistan’s growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to scientific research and innovation. The success of the iCUBE mission will not only contribute to our understanding of the moon, but also inspire future generations of scientists and engineers in Pakistan.

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