ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s first satellite space mission i-cube has successfully reached lunar orbit.
The Chang’e-6 mission successfully placed the Pakistani satellite iCube Qamar into lunar orbit. After deployment of iCube Qamar, all subsystems will be reviewed as per SOPs.
According to experts, it may take about a week to verify all the subsystems before the satellite imaging system becomes operational, after which the first image of the Moon from iCube Qamar is likely to be received by May 15 or 16.
The Chang’e-6 mission has entered lunar orbit under the influence of the Moon’s gravity and the next phase will land the Chang’e-6 lander and ascender on the back side of the Moon’s south pole. The main lander will then separate from the Chang’e-6 mission on June 1, after which the Chang’e-6 mission will collect soil and rock samples from the lunar surface on June 2.
The Chang’e 6 mission will begin its return journey on June 4. In this regard, the Chang’e 6 mission will dock on June 6 and will return to Earth on June 25 after completing the 53-day mission as per the program.
After reaching the orbit, the process of orbital testing of the satellite will begin. The Institute of Space Technology will be testing the satellite for the next 5-6 days.
It should be noted that Pakistani space scientists Dr. Khurram Khurshid and Dr. Qamarul Islam are present in China in this regard. Dr. Khurram Khurshid says that battery testing will be done in the orbit testing of iCube. The IST will check the satellite’s onboard computer. The communication system of the satellite will also be tested for the next 5 days.
He said that iCube will be able to get pictures from Qamar satellite by 15th or 16th.
It may be noted that iCube Qamar is Pakistan’s first satellite sent to the moon, which was sent into space from China’s Hainan Space Launch Site on May 3. iCube Qamar is Pakistan’s first deep space mission.
