Pakistan is gearing up for its first moon mission as it collaborates with China’s Chang’e-6 lunar sample return mission. Scheduled for launch tomorrow, this mission represents a significant step forward in Pakistan’s space exploration endeavors.
The Chang’e-6 mission by China’s National Space Administration (CNSA) aims to collect samples from the far side of the moon, a region yet to be explored in detail. This mission will mark the first-ever attempt to gather samples from this unique lunar area.
In addition to its own objectives, the Chinese mission will also carry Pakistan’s miniature satellite ICUBE-QAMAR cubesat. Developed by the Institute of Space Technology (IST) in collaboration with Shanghai University SJTU and SUPARCO, this cubesat represents Pakistan’s efforts to advance in space exploration and technology.
The launch is scheduled to take place on Friday at 12:50 pm PKT, corresponding to 1:20 pm Indian time, according to the Islamabad-based Institute of Space Technology. Preparations for the mission are in full swing at the Wenchang Space launch site in Hainan Province, China, where the Long March-5 Y8 carrier rocket is being readied for refuelling with propellant, as announced by CNSA on Wednesday.
The primary objective of the Chang’e-6 mission is to collect samples from the far side of the moon, utilizing an orbiter, lander, ascender, and re-entry module. Landing in the South Pole-Aitken Basin, the mission aims to gather dust and rock samples, providing valuable insights into the composition and characteristics of this lunar region.
Additionally, foreign equipment weighing 10 kilograms, including scientific instruments from France, Italy, and the European Space Agency, will accompany the mission. The Pakistani payload mounted on the orbiter adds another dimension to this collaborative space endeavor.
India’s recent moon mission, Chandrayaan-3, saw the country achieve a soft landing near the lunar south pole, marking a significant milestone in its space exploration journey. The mission featured the Pragyan rover, operating alongside China’s Chang’e 4 mission’s rover on the far side of the moon.
Sources By Agencies
