Pakistan to Launch its First Moon Mission with a Device Smaller Than Computer- Details Here
Pakistan to Launch its First Moon Mission with a Device Smaller Than Computer- Details Here
Pakistan’s ‘historic’ lunar mission to be launched on Friday aboard China lunar probe
The Institute of Space Technology on Tuesday said Pakistan’s “historic” lunar mission iCube-Q will be launched on May 3 at 12:50pm on board China’s Chang’e 6 lunar probe from Hainan, China.
According to the Institute of Space Technology (IST), the satellite ICUBE-Q has been designed and developed by IST in collaboration with China’s Shanghai University SJTU and Pakistan’s national space agency Suparco.
ICUBE-Q orbiter carries two optical cameras to image the lunar surface.
Following successful qualification and testing, iCube-Q has now been integrated with the Chang’e 6 mission.
Chang’e 6 is the sixth in a series of China’s lunar exploration missions.
The launch activity will be telecast live on the IST website and IST social media platforms.
China’s lunar mission will touch down on the moon’s far side to collect samples from the surface and return to Earth for research.
The mission holds significance for Pakistan as it will also take a CubeSat Satellite iCube-Q, developed by IST.
CubeSats are miniature satellites typically characterised by their small size and standardised design.
They are constructed in a cubic shape, consisting of modular components that adhere to specific size constraints.
These satellites often weigh no more than a few kilogrammes and were deployed in space for various purposes.
The primary purpose of CubeSats was to facilitate scientific research, technology development, and educational initiatives in space exploration.
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These satellites were utilised for a wide range of missions, including Earth observations, remote sensing, atmospheric research, communications, astronomy and technology demonstration.
Due to their compact size and relatively low cost compared to traditional satellites, CubeSats offered opportunities for universities, research institutions and commercial entities to participate in space missions and gather valuable data for scientific advancement and innovation.
They serve as platforms for testing new technologies and concepts, enabling access to space for a broader range of users and promoting collaboration within the space community.
Last year in August, India became the first nation to land a craft near the Moon’s south pole, a historic triumph for its ambitious, cut-price space programme.
China is set to launch its robotic spacecraft Chang’e-6 on Friday May 3
China is set to launch its robotic spacecraft Chang’e-6 on Friday (May 3) which will make a round trip and collect samples from the far side of the moon.
Chang’e-6, which is made using the backup spacecraft from the 2020 mission, will gather rocks and soil from the region that has stayed away from the earth’s view permanently.
The Chinese spacecraft will rely on the relay satellite that has been recently deployed and in its 53-day mission is orbiting the moon.
The same relay satellite will also back China’s future mission, i.e., Chang’e-7 and 8 missions in 2026 and 2028 respectively as Beijing aims to explore the south pole for water and also build a rudimentary outpost with Russia.
China to carry payload from Pakistan
China is set to launch a lunar probe on Friday with Pakistani miniature satellite ICUBE-QAMAR cubesat on board. Details shared by the China National Space Administration also noted that this was the first mission to ever attempt a collection of samples from the far side of the moon. Chang’e-6 is currently preparing for takeoff from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan Province.
The iCube-Q satellite — developed in collaboration with Shanghai University — carries two optical cameras designed to capture images of the lunar surface. According to the Islamabad-based Institute of Space Technology, the country will launch its maiden moon mission on Friday at 12:50 pm Pakistan time (1:20 pm IST).
Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, #SUPARCO’s logo is seen on China’s most powerful rocket #LongMarch5! Together with China’s #ChangE6 lunar probe and payloads from France and #ESA, Pakistan’s CubeSat is ready to go to the moon in just a few days!
What is Chang’e 6 mission?
• Chang’e 6 mission’s primary objective is to gather samples from the far side of the moon.
• The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, lander, ascender, and re-entry module.
• It aims to land in the South Pole-Aitken Basin to collect dust and rock samples.
• This mission could offer crucial insights into the composition and characteristics of the lunar region.
• Foreign equipment totalling 10 kilograms will accompany the mission.
• Scientific instruments from France, Italy, and the European Space Agency will be part of the payload.
• The Pakistani payload will also be mounted on the orbiter.
(With inputs from agencies)