Islamabad: Pakistan on Friday successfully launched its first lunar mission with the help of China.
In a significant milestone for Pakistan's space exploration endeavours, the Institute of Space Technology (IST), a premier institution in the country, achieved a remarkable feat by deploying the satellite iCube-Qamar (ICUBE-Q) into Lunar orbit. This historic event unfolded onboard China’s Chang `E-6 Mission on Friday at 14:18 PST from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan, China.
The mission, which aims to explore the moon’s “dark side”, will employ lunar research payloads from multiple countries, including Pakistan’s iCube Qamar satellite.
What is CubeSats
CubeSats, characterized as small satellites utilized by academic institutions for experimental and research objectives, typically orbit in Low Earth Orbits, often at altitudes below one thousand kilometers. However, recent advancements have expanded their applications to include missions in higher orbits and deep space.
According to a statement released by IST, the opportunity to launch a CubeSat into Lunar orbit via the Chang-E`6 mission was extended by the China National Space Agency (CNSA) through the Asia Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO) to its member states. Following a rigorous evaluation process, Pakistan's proposal stood out among all APSCO member states, earning acceptance.
The design, development, and qualification of ICUBE-Q were spearheaded by faculty members and students of IST in collaboration with China’s Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), with support from Pakistan National Space Agency SUPARCO.
The moon mission
ICUBE-Q was equipped with two cameras as payload for capturing images of the Lunar surface and Earth/Moon, along with a 3-axis altitude control system for precise orientation, onboard computer, thermal control mechanisms, telemetry, tele-command, and payload data communication modules for connectivity via the deep space network.
The deployment of ICUBE-Q is scheduled for May 08, following a carefully calculated 12-hour elliptical orbit trajectory, facilitating targeted imaging of Lunar surfaces.
Pakistan's first deep space mission
Dr. Khurram Khurshid, Head of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department at IST and co-lead on the satellite project, is quoted by APP, "This marks Pakistan’s inaugural deep space mission, signifying a historic moment that paves the path for future deep space endeavors."
Approximately 100 students, alongside faculty members, contributed to various facets of the satellite project, encompassing disciplines such as electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, computer science, and mechanical/materials engineering.
In parallel, the Chang’e 6 probe, carrying out China's lunar exploration objectives, was launched at 5:27pm (BJT) on May 03 from the Wenchang Space Launch Site. The probe is slated to undertake scientific tasks, including the collection of lunar samples, in a mission anticipated to span approximately 53 days.
Leaders reaction
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the nation on the successful launch of Pakistan’s maiden lunar mission.
State-run broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported that the president congratulated the IST, Suparco and the China National Space Administration on the achievement.
He said the successful launch would be a “milestone” for Pakistan’s space programme. The president also commended the cooperation between Pakistan and China in aerospace.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz hailed the iCube-Q satellite as “Pakistan’s first step in space” and said that Pakistani scientists and engineers were “proving their mettle … like the expertise they exhibited in the nuclear technology [programme]”.
The prime minister said that Pakistan and China’s friendship, which was “higher than Himalayas, deeper than ocean, and sweeter than honey” had now “crossed the frontiers of space”. The Prime Minister watched the live launch of the mission.
Prime Minister said: “This is a historic milestone in the technological development. By this achievement, Pakistan has entered a new era of exploring space for productive purposes..
“Our sons of soil have proved that they have the capability، passion and expertise to explore space. God willing, Pakistan will achieve excellence in the fields of space and economy too as it had done in the field of nuclear technology on May 28, 1998.”
Calling Pakistan’s development in science and technology, modern sciences and skill development the need of the hour, the prime minister reiterated the resolve to uplift the country’s youth in the said fields to ensure that the country achieved “excellence” in the field of inventions.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also congratulated the young Pakistani students and scientists on the launch” of the lunar mission.
“Today’s launch from Hainan … is a good example of countries and organisations coming together for space cooperation and shared benefits,” he said on his X account.