Today marks a historic moment for Pakistan as its first lunar mission, ICUBE-Q, lifts off aboard China’s Chang’e 6 robotic exploration mission. The launch, taking place from Hainan, China, signifies Pakistan’s growing role in space exploration.
Developed by the Institute of Space Technology (IST) in collaboration with China’s Shanghai University and Pakistan’s national space agency SUPARCO, ICUBE-Q is a CubeSat satellite. CubeSats, known for their compact size and standardized design, are revolutionizing space research and education.
The Chang’e 6 mission aims to collect lunar surface samples from the far side of the Moon and return them to Earth for further analysis. ICUBE-Q will play a vital role in this endeavor.
Pakistan’s participation in this mission highlights its commitment to space exploration and its strong partnership with China in advancing scientific research and technological development on the global stage. Space enthusiasts can witness the launch live on the IST website and social media platforms.