ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s ICUBE-Q satellite is set to be transported by China’s Chang’e 6 spacecraft, scheduled to depart from Hainan, China, today, May 3rd, at 1418 o’clock in Pakistan’s time.
While talking to the PTV news channel, the Project Director of the Institute of Space Technology, Dr. Qamar ul Islam, said, “This satellite, known as a CubeSat, is equipped with two optical cameras designed to capture detailed images of the lunar surface.”
“Though it was a good beginning. Pakistan’s space research and development program has been influenced by several visionary leaders,” he said.
“Amidst no real progress in space missions and satellites for quite a long time, this small satellite launch is a big achievement for the country and something to celebrate,” he further said.
Moreover, if successful, the data collected by this miniature satellite will provide valuable insights into the moon’s topography, geological features, and potential resource deposits.
This achievement made Pakistan the first South Asi
an country and the third Asian country to touch this milestone.