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Pakistan’s Historic Step into Space: The Launch of Its First Lunar Satellite with China’s Chang’e-6 Mission
In an inspiring display of technological collaboration and ambition, Pakistan’s first lunar satellite, ICUBE-Qamar, has embarked on a journey to the moon aboard China’s Chang’e-6 mission. This mission, spearheaded by China and marked by Pakistan’s entry into lunar exploration, not only strengthens the longstanding alliance between the two nations but also signifies a bold step forward for Pakistan’s scientific and space aspirations.
A New Era for Pakistan in Space Exploration
On a bright morning, China’s most powerful rocket, the Long March-5, launched from Hainan Island’s Wencheng Space Launch Center, carrying the Chang’e-6 probe and ICUBE-Qamar, Pakistan’s first lunar satellite. Chang’e-6 aims to be the first mission to return samples from the moon’s far side, focusing specifically on the South Pole. This unexplored lunar region is largely shielded from Earth’s view, presenting a unique opportunity for groundbreaking research and discovery.
While Pakistan has made strides in satellite technology before, ICUBE-Qamar represents its first mission aimed at lunar research. The satellite’s name, “Qamar” (meaning “moon” in Urdu), captures the significance of this historic mission for Pakistan, symbolizing its aspirations and ambitions in space exploration.
The Role of ICUBE-Qamar
Developed by the Institute of Space Technology (IST) in Islamabad, in collaboration with SUPARCO (Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission) and Shanghai University, ICUBE-Qamar will play a vital role in observing and photographing the lunar surface over three to six months. The satellite is equipped to capture high-resolution images and gather data on the moon’s magnetic field. This information will be crucial in creating detailed lunar magnetic models, paving the way for international collaboration on future lunar projects.
A Milestone in Pakistan-China Relations
The launch, broadcast live on Pakistan’s state television, captured the attention and pride of a nation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed this moment as a “milestone” that will help Pakistan expand its satellite communication capabilities, fuel scientific research, and open new paths for economic development and national security. He remarked that the Pakistan-China friendship has now extended “beyond borders to reach space.”
This space mission builds on a deep-rooted alliance between Pakistan and China. As home to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) — part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative — Pakistan has seen vast infrastructure and defense support from Beijing, from economic investments to strategic military partnerships. In April, Pakistan launched its first Hangor-class submarine in a joint effort with China, marking a new dimension in this multi-faceted alliance.
Chang’e-6: China’s Bold Lunar Endeavor
Chang’e-6 is an ambitious mission aiming to make China the first country to retrieve samples from the moon’s South Pole. This uncrewed mission plans to spend 48 hours collecting lunar soil and rock samples, with a target of bringing 2 kilograms of material back to Earth. Expected to return to Inner Mongolia, this mission will allow scientists to study untouched regions of the lunar surface, contributing to global understanding of the moon’s history and geological composition.
This is not China’s first achievement in lunar exploration. Back in 2018, Chang’e-4 marked a historic first by landing on the moon’s far side, a region not visible from Earth, setting the stage for future missions like Chang’e-6. China’s success in lunar missions continues to reflect its dedication to advancing its space capabilities and sharing that expertise with close allies like Pakistan.
The Future of Space Collaboration
As Pakistan takes its first steps in lunar exploration, ICUBE-Qamar’s mission exemplifies how international partnerships can drive scientific discovery. For Pakistan, it signals an exciting beginning in space research, with future plans for more advanced satellite technologies and collaborative missions. This launch demonstrates that as countries work together in space exploration, they build not only scientific knowledge but also bridges of cooperation and shared success.
ICUBE-Qamar
The launch of ICUBE-Qamar is a defining moment for Pakistan, symbolizing its commitment to joining the ranks of nations exploring beyond Earth’s atmosphere. With this launch, Pakistan and China have reached new heights in their friendship, exemplifying how technological collaboration can lead to monumental achievements. As ICUBE-Qamar orbits the moon, it carries with it the dreams and aspirations of Pakistan, setting a precedent for future explorations and advancements in space.
As Pakistan’s first lunar satellite begins its mission, one thing is clear: the journey has only just begun.