PAKISTAN ORBITING BACK INTO SPACE EXPLORATION

In a first, Pakistan's satellite, iCUBE-Q, was launched on May 3, 2024 to orbit the moon as part of China's Chang'e-6 lunar mission

- AYUSHEE CHAUDHARY

IN A FIRST FOR THE COUNTRY, PAKISTAN’S SATELLITE, ICUBE-Q, was launched on May 3, 2024 to orbit the moon as part of China’s Chang’e-6 lunar mission. Led by the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the mission targets the South Pole-Aitken Basin to gather dust and rock samples, providing invaluable insights into the composition and characteristics of this lunar region. Weighing about 7 kg, Pakistan’s maiden lunar satellite iCUBE-Q was developed through collaboration between Pakistan’s Institute of Space Technology (IST) and China’s Shanghai University.

ICUBE-QAMAR

Riding aboard the Chang’e-6 probe, the iCUBE-Qamar was deployed from the Chang’e-6 spacecraft on May 8. The iCUBE-Q orbiter carried two optical cameras to image the lunar surface. Alongside capturing images, the iCUBEQ orbiter is also collecting valuable data on the lunar magnetic field and laying the groundwork for future missions and international collaborations. The data collected by this miniature satellite will provide valuable insights into the Moon’s topography, geological features, and potential resource deposits.