Pakistan’s landmark satellite, ‘iCube Qamar,’ which embarked on its space journey alongside China’s Chang’e 6 mission, has successfully entered lunar orbit, marking a monumental achievement for the country’s space endeavors.
As per the China National Space Administration, the Chang’e 6 spacecraft achieved lunar orbit at 10:12 am local time, confirmed by the Chinese News Agency. In the forthcoming week, the satellite will undergo comprehensive in-orbit testing to validate its controllers, subsystems, and protocols.
The launch of iCube Qamar took place on May 3 from the Wencheng Space Center in Henan, China, at 2:27 pm local time. With this launch, Pakistan joined the exclusive group of six nations capable of sending satellites into lunar orbit, showcasing a remarkable technological prowess.
Armed with two optical cameras tailored for lunar surface imaging, the iCube Qamar satellite pioneers lunar exploration. Over the next three to six months, it will navigate the lunar orbit, capturing crucial images for research purposes.
Moreover, Pakistan’s satellite mission aims to collect samples from the Moon’s far side, demonstrating the country’s dedication to advancing scientific frontiers in space exploration. This mission signifies a substantial leap for Pakistan’s space program, highlighting its escalating capabilities in the realm of space exploration.
