The ICUBE-Q satellite reached detached point through China’s Chang’e-6 probe, solidifying a milestone collaboration between the two nations in the realm of space exploration.
Pakistan celebrates a significant achievement in its space exploration endeavors as the ICUBE-Q satellite was successfully launched into the lunar orbit on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s space program. The satellite reached the detached point through China’s Chang’e-6 probe, solidifying a milestone collaboration between the two nations in the realm of space exploration.
Following its entry into lunar orbit, the Institute of Space Technology (IST) is set to embark on a series of comprehensive tests over the next five to six days. Dr. Khurram Khurshid and Dr. Qamarul Islam, representing Pakistan, are currently in China to oversee the country’s inaugural lunar mission. Dr. Khurshid highlighted that critical tests including communication and battery assessments will be conducted during ICUBE-Q’s orbital phase.
A week-long process is anticipated to verify the operational readiness of the orbiter’s imaging system, with expectations for the first images from the lunar surface to be unveiled by May 15 or 16. Concurrently, various sub-systems will undergo rigorous testing to ensure optimal functionality.
Looking ahead, the next phase of the mission will witness China’s Chang’e-6 lander descending onto the lunar surface, aiming to gather valuable soil and rock samples from the moon’s south pole region. This ambitious endeavor is slated to commence its return journey to Earth on June 4, with an estimated arrival on June 25, marking another significant milestone in the mission’s trajectory.
The journey towards this achievement traces back to May 3, when Pakistan’s inaugural lunar orbiter soared into space from China’s Henan Space Launch Site. This historic moment underscores Pakistan’s growing presence in the global space exploration arena.
The genesis of this endeavor dates back to 2022 when the China National Space Agency (CNSA), in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO), extended an opportunity to member states to contribute a student-built payload to the Chang’e 6 mission. The selection of ICUBE-Q, proposed by IST, followed a rigorous evaluation process, culminating in a collaborative effort between IST’s students and faculty, SUPARCO, and China’s Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU).
The ICUBE-Q satellite comprises three integral components: the CubeSat, the separation mechanism, and the mounting bracket. Weighing approximately 7 kilograms, the payload is equipped with dual cameras for capturing images of the lunar surface, alongside an array of sensors and apparatuses facilitating deep-space communication, altitude control, and other essential functions.
As Pakistan continues to chart new frontiers in space exploration, the successful deployment of ICUBE-Q into lunar orbit stands as a testament to the nation’s scientific prowess and collaborative spirit in the pursuit of knowledge beyond terrestrial boundaries.