Historic Day: Pakistan launches first satellite mission to moon

Today marks a historic milestone as Pakistan launches its first satellite (iCube Qamar) mission to the moon. The groundbreaking event signifies a significant step forward in the country’s space exploration endeavors.

Dr. Khurram Khurshid, a member of the core committee of the Institute of Space Technology, while talking to Geo News, said, “The space mission will be sent today on May 3 at 2:10 pm. This mission will be sent into space from China’s Hainan Space Launch Site, the launch of satellite iCube Qamar will also be telecasted directly from the website.”

He said, “iCube Qamar has been designed and developed in collaboration between China and Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SPARCO). Two cameras are installed in iCube Qamar to take pictures of the moon. satellite images of the moon’s surface will be acquired through China’s Deep Space Network.”

In 2022, the Chinese National Space Agency through the Asia-Pacific Space Corporation Organization (APSCO) provided a unique opportunity for member countries to reach lunar orbit for free.

The National Institute of Space Technology also submitted a proposed project on behalf of Pakistan. Out of eight countries, only the Pakistani project was accepted, and after two years of hard work, the satellite ‘iCube Qamar’ has been completed.