All about Pakistan’s maiden Moon mission, set for launch aboard Chinese lunar probe on May 3

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Pakistan is all set to witness the launch of its first lunar mission on Friday, May 3.

Pakistan’s Institute of Space Technology (IST) has announced that the lunar mission iCube-Q will be launched at 12.50 pm (local time) on board China’s Chang’e 6 lunar probe, Dawn reported.

The iCube-Q satellite has been developed by IST in collaboration with China’s Shanghai University SJTU and Suparco, which is Pakistan’s national space agency.

Confirming the development, the Chinese embassy in Pakistan noted that the Chang’e 6 lunar probe will carry payloads from the European Space Agency (ESA), France and Pakistan on a round trip.

“Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, #SUPARCO’s logo is seen on China’s most powerful rocket #LongMarch5! Together with China’s #ChangE6 lunar probe and payloads from France and #ESA, Pakistan’s CubeSat is ready to go to the moon in just a few days!” the Embassy said in a post on social media site X on April 29.

Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, #SUPARCO’s logo is seen on China’s most powerful rocket #LongMarch5! Together with China’s #ChangE6 lunar probe and payloads from France and #ESA, Pakistan’s CubeSat is ready to go to the moon in just a few days! pic.twitter.com/tlOebD5wVf

— Chinese Emb Pakistan (@CathayPak) April 29, 2024

The report further stated that the iCube-Q orbiter would carry two optical cameras to capture images of the lunar surface. The iCube-Q has been integrated with the Chang’e 6 mission after successful qualification and testing.

This is the sixth in a series of China’s lunar exploration missions. It is expected to touch down on the Moon’s far side and collect samples from the surface before returning back to Earth for research purposes, reports said.

Those interested can watch the live telecast of the launch activity on the IST website and across its social media platforms.

China’s lunar mission holds major significance for Pakistan as it will also take iCube-Q — a CubeSat Satellite — which has been developed by IST.

These miniature satellites are mainly constructed in a cubic shape and consist of modular components that adhere to specific size constraints.

Weighing not more than a few kilograms, their primary purpose is to facilitate scientific research and educational initiatives in space exploration.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow