Pakistan has embarked on its inaugural lunar mission, marking its entry into the global space exploration endeavors. Developed in collaboration with Chinese partners at the Hainan Space Site, the iCube Qamar satellite, weighing approximately 7kg, was crafted over a span of two years by the Electrical Engineering Department of the Institute of Space Technology (IST) in Islamabad.
Broadcasted live on various online platforms, the launch of iCube Qamar was a momentous occasion facilitated by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco). Scheduled to reach lunar orbit within five days, this pioneering venture positions Pakistan as the sixth nation worldwide to venture towards the moon. With ties to China’s Chang’e 6 mission, iCube Qamar is poised to contribute to lunar research alongside its international counterparts.
Equipped with two optical cameras for research imaging, iCube Qamar underscores Pakistan’s commitment to advancing space technology. Joined by payloads from France, Italy, and Sweden, this mission heralds a new era of scientific exploration.
Celebrating this milestone, faculty members at IST expressed pride in the achievement, recognizing it as a significant leap forward in space exploration. Dr. Rahman Mehmood, Director of the Small Satellite Technology project, emphasized the importance of technological advancement in keeping pace with global developments in space.
For students involved in the project, the launch of iCube Qamar signifies a moment of immense pride and excitement. As Rabab Sara and Abdul Mueez Khan articulated, this achievement reflects the dedication and prowess of Pakistan’s space industry.
Twenty-six years after becoming the first Islamic nuclear power, Pakistan’s foray into lunar exploration on May 3 is a testament to its continued progress on the space frontier. Dr. Khurram Khurshid, a Core Member of Project Space Technology, highlighted the mission’s objectives, which include capturing lunar images and studying magnetic fields for future endeavors.
Pakistan’s maiden lunar mission not only signifies a significant stride in its space endeavors but also underscores its growing stature in the global scientific community.
