Good morning. Today’s hot topic is the launch of Pakistan’s first ever lunar module via a Chinese Chang’e rocket to uncover more of our nearest neighbour’s secrets. News is via Google News Pakistan.
Pakistan’s iCube Qamar embarked on its lunar mission as part of China’s Chang’e-6 probe, aiming to collect samples from the moon’s far side. The iCube-Q orbiter, a cubesat, carries optical cameras to image the lunar surface and is part of a broader trend of miniature satellite use for research purposes. China’s Chang’e-6 mission, launched by the Long March-5 rocket, targets the South Pole-Aitken Basin for sample retrieval, representing another milestone in China’s space exploration. iCube Qamar’s inclusion in the mission highlights Pakistan’s collaboration with China in space research and exploration. This achievement signifies Pakistan’s entry into deep space missions and opens new opportunities for scientific research, economic development, and national security –Pakistan’s lunar payload lifts off aboard Chinese mission (Dawn)
In a historic first, Pakistan’s iCube Qamar satellite is part of China’s Chang’e-6 lunar mission, aimed at exploring the moon’s far side. The iCube-Q module, developed by the Institute of Space Technology (IST) in collaboration with China and Pakistan’s space agency Suparco, carries optical cameras to image the lunar surface. This mission marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s space program and showcases the close cooperation between Pakistan and China in aerospace. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the nation on this achievement, emphasizing the potential for scientific research, economic development, and national security. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also praised the collaboration and shared benefits of space cooperation – Pakistani lunar payload successfully launches aboard Chinese moon mission (Dawn)
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal underscored Pakistan’s need to advance in space exploration for development. He noted the absence of Islamic countries among those that have successfully landed on the moon, emphasizing the Quran’s encouragement for Muslims to explore the universe. Highlighting past Muslim contributions to space research, he urged the upgrading of Pakistan’s space technology institutions like the Institute of Space Technology and the National Centre of Excellence for Satellite and Geographic Information System. Additionally, he proposed the establishment of a Space Museum at the Narowal Learning Centre to promote science education among children. The Minister stressed Suparco’s role in helping Pakistan catch up with advancements in space technology and exploration – Space Exploration: Ahsan Stresses Space Exploration For National Development (PTV Network World ~ National)
Pakistan’s first lunar satellite, ICUBE-Qamar, was launched aboard China’s Chang’e-6 probe, marking a significant collaborative effort between the two countries. China’s Long March-5 rocket carried the Chang’e-6 probe, aiming to retrieve samples from the moon’s far side, a feat never achieved before. ICUBE-Qamar, developed by Pakistan’s Institute of Space Technology (IST) in collaboration with SUPARCO and China’s Shanghai University, will orbit the moon for three to six months, collecting data and images of the lunar surface. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the launch as a milestone, highlighting its potential for advancing satellite communications and scientific research, while also emphasizing the deepening friendship between Pakistan and China, evident in various collaborative ventures – China carries Pakistan into space (VOA ~ TECHNOLOGY)
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