In a groundbreaking move, Pakistan’s Historic Lunar Mission Launched with China’s Probe Institute of Space Technology (IST) embarked on a historic journey into the depths of space, launching the Cube Satellite ICUBE-Qamar (ICUBE-Q) into lunar orbit. This monumental event unfolded on Friday, May 3rd, at 14:18 PST, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s space exploration endeavors.
From the renowned Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan, China, the CubeSat ICUBE-Q set off on its celestial voyage, nestled aboard China’s Chang’e-6 Mission. This collaboration between IST and the Chinese space program underscores the growing international cooperation in space exploration.
CubeSats, renowned for their compact size and versatility, serve as invaluable tools for academic institutions to conduct experiments and research in space. Typically deployed in Low Earth Orbits, these miniature satellites have now found new utility in deep space missions, including lunar exploration.
The opportunity to participate in the Chang’e-6 mission was extended to member states of the Asia Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO). Following a meticulous evaluation process, Pakistan’s proposal garnered acceptance, affirming the nation’s growing prowess in space technology.
Led by faculty and students at IST, the ICUBE-Q project exemplifies collaborative innovation. Partnering with Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) in China and SUPARCO, the Pakistani National Space Agency, IST spearheaded the design, development, and qualification of the CubeSat.
Equipped with advanced imaging capabilities, ICUBE-Q carries two cameras to capture high-resolution images of the lunar surface and Earth-Moon vistas. Additionally, its sophisticated onboard systems enable precise control, telemetry, and communication, essential for deep space missions.
As the Chang’e-6 rocket embarks on its five-day journey to reach lunar orbit, anticipation mounts for ICUBE-Q’s momentous task. Scheduled for launch into a 12-hour elliptical orbit on May 8th, the CubeSat will commence its mission to photograph designated lunar landscapes.
For Pakistan, this mission represents a historic leap into deep space exploration. Dr. Khurram Khurshid, Head of the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department at IST, reflects on the significance of this milestone, heralding it as a precursor to future deep space endeavors.
The collaborative effort behind ICUBE-Q involved over a hundred students and faculty members, each contributing their expertise to various aspects of the satellite’s development. From electrical engineering to aerospace design, software development, and materials science, this project showcased the multidisciplinary talent at IST.
At 5:27 p.m. (BJT) on May 3rd, the Long March 5 Y8 rocket launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Site, carrying the Chang’e-6 spacecraft into the cosmos. Following separation from the rocket, the Chang’e 6 probe commenced its mission, embarking on a scientific odyssey to explore the lunar terrain.
With plans for scientific research and a soft landing on the far side of the Moon, the Chang’e-6 mission holds promise for unlocking the mysteries of our celestial neighbor. As the journey unfolds over the next 53 days, the world eagerly awaits the return of lunar samples, marking a new chapter in humanity’s quest for knowledge beyond Earth’s bounds.
