Pakistan’s maiden satellite, iCube-Qamar, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully entering the lunar orbit as part of the Chang’e 6 mission. This accomplishment marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s space endeavors, with experts now gearing up to assess all subsystems following iCube’s deployment.
According to experts, the operational verification of satellite imaging systems could take approximately a week before iCube sends back its first images of the moon by May 15th or 16th. The Chang’e 6 mission has now entered the lunar orbit under the influence of lunar gravity, with plans to land the lander and ascender on the moon’s southern polar region in the next phase.
Following this, the main lander of the Chang’e 6 mission will detach on June 1st, with the mission set to collect samples of lunar soil and rocks on June 2nd. The return journey is scheduled to commence on June 4th, with docking planned for June 6th, culminating in the spacecraft’s return to Earth on June 25th after completing the 53-day mission.
Post-orbit arrival, satellite testing will commence, with the Institute of Space Technology conducting a series of tests on iCube over the next 5 to 6 days. Dr. Khurram Khurshid and Dr. Qamar-ul-Islam, Pakistani space scientists present in China, emphasized the upcoming battery and onboard computer testing, along with communication system checks within the next 5 days.
Images from iCube satellite are expected to be received by May 15th or 16th, highlighting the significance of this achievement as Pakistan’s first satellite sent to the moon. iCube was launched into space on May 3rd from China’s Hainan Space Launch Site, marking Pakistan’s debut deep space mission.
The successful entry of Pakistan’s iCube satellite into the lunar orbit signifies a remarkable leap in the country’s space exploration journey. With meticulous testing and planned operations ahead, the mission holds promise for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in Pakistan’s space science capabilities.