ISLAMABAD (Khyber Mail): In a significant development for space exploration, Pakistan’s historic lunar mission, ICUBE-Q, is set to launch on May 3, 2024. This mission follows the successful moon landing of India’s Chandrayaan-3 last year.
The ICUBE-Q mission, developed by the Institute of Space Technology (IST) in collaboration with China’s Shanghai University SJTU and Pakistan’s national space agency SUPARCO, is integrated with China’s Chang’e6 mission. The Chang’e6 mission, scheduled for launch in May 2024, aims to collect samples from the moon’s far side.
The ICUBE-Q satellite carries two optical cameras designed to capture images of the lunar surface. This mission is of great significance to Pakistan as it will deploy the iCube-Q CubeSat satellite. Characterized by its small size and modular design, the CubeSat satellite offers opportunities for scientific research, technology development, and educational initiatives in space exploration.
CubeSats have revolutionized access to space, enabling a broader range of users to participate. They serve as platforms for testing new technologies and promote collaboration within the space community.
The Wenchang Space Launch Site, located in the southern province of Hainan, has announced its readiness for the launch of China’s Chang’e-6 lunar probe. The site conducted a comprehensive final rehearsal for the launch, covering all relevant systems. The site’s meteorological system has also strengthened its monitoring and analysis processes to ensure a successful launch.
The Chang’e-6 lunar probe and Long March-5 Y8 carrier rocket combination was transferred vertically to the site’s launch area on Saturday. The probe is set to collect samples from the far side of the moon, making this mission the first of its kind in human history.