(MENAFN- Komail Khatak) In a historic move for the nation’s space exploration efforts, Pakistan is poised to launch its first lunar mission, ICUBE-Q, on May 3, 2024. This monumental event marks Pakistan’s entry into the arena of lunar exploration, a testament to the country’s growing scientific capabilities and its collaboration with international space agencies.
The ICUBE-Q mission, developed in partnership with China, will see Pakistan’s miniature satellite hitch a ride aboard the Chang’e 6 — China’s lunar sample return mission. The launch is scheduled to take place from the Hainan Space Launch Site in China, a location that has become synonymous with groundbreaking space missions.
Dr. Khurram Khurshid, a member of the space technology institute, has been at the forefront of the satellite’s design and development. In a statement, he highlighted the significance of the mission, noting the satellite’s dual cameras designed to capture high-resolution images of the moon’s surface. These images are expected to provide invaluable data for research and deepen our understanding of Earth’s only natural satellite.
The mission’s objectives extend beyond mere photography; it aims to gather scientific data that could shed light on the moon’s composition and geology. This information could prove crucial for future manned lunar missions and the potential utilization of lunar resources.
As the countdown to the launch begins, the nation watches with bated breath, ready to celebrate a new chapter in Pakistan’s space exploration journey. The launch activity will be broadcast live, allowing people across the country and around the world to witness this historic moment.
The ICUBE-Q mission is not just a leap for Pakistan but a symbol of international cooperation in the pursuit of scientific knowledge. It stands as a reminder of humanity’s unyielding desire to explore the unknown and the boundless possibilities that await us in the cosmos.
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