Pakistan will make history by sending its first mini-satellite to the moon with China’s help in 2025. The satellite, named ICECUBE-Q, will fly to the far side of the moon as part of China’s Chang’e-6 lunar sample return mission. The satellite will detect and measure ice traces on the lunar surface, which could have implications for future exploration and habitation.
China and Pakistan have a long history of space cooperation, dating back to 1990 when China launched Pakistan’s first communication satellite. In 2018, China helped Pakistan launch two more satellites, one for optical remote sensing and another for observation. In 2019, the two countries signed an agreement on space exploration, marking a new phase in their partnership.
Chang’e-6 is China’s second lunar sample return mission, following the successful Chang’e-5 mission in 2020 that collected nearly 2 kg of material from the near side of the moon. Chang’e-6 will attempt to collect 2 kg of material from the far side of the moon, which has never been done before. The mission will also carry payloads from France, Italy and Sweden.
To communicate with the far side of the moon, China will launch a new relay satellite, Queqiao-2, in 2024. The relay satellite will enable data transmission between the lander, the orbiter and the Earth. The mission is expected to launch in May 2024 and take about 53 days to complete.
The lunar mission is part of China’s ambitious plan to explore and exploit the moon’s resources. China also plans to launch Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 missions in the next few years, which will conduct detailed surveys and experiments on the lunar south pole. China aims to establish a robotic research station near the lunar south pole by 2030 and eventually send humans to the moon.
Pakistan’s participation in the lunar mission is a sign of its growing interest and capability in space science and technology. Pakistan hopes to benefit from China’s expertise and experience in space exploration and development. Pakistan also plans to launch its own remote sensing satellite in 2023 and a navigation satellite in 2025.
The lunar mission will not only enhance scientific knowledge and understanding of the moon, but also strengthen the friendship and cooperation between China and Pakistan, as well as other international partners.