Pakistani scientists and engineers developed iCube Qamar. It captured and sent its first image from the moon's orbit. The image offered a unique glimpse of the moon's surface. The satellite accomplished this feat seven days after its launch into space on May 3.
A spokesperson from the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) confirmed it. The first image depicts the sun. It marks a key moment in Pakistan's space program. Suparco made iCube Qamar with Shanghai University of China. It shows the nation's skill and commitment to space exploration.
A special ceremony at the China National Space Administration (CNSA) celebrated this achievement. It emphasized the strong partnership between Pakistan and China in space efforts. CNSA officials showed the first photo from iCube Qamar to the Pakistani ambassador. It signifies the close collaboration between the two nations.
Dr. Khurram Khurshid is the head of the Electrical Engineering Department. It is at the Institute of Space Technology (IST). He explained the satellite's journey. He revealed that, upon entering space, iCube Qamar's camera was set to capture images of the sun. It did this before going into lunar orbit. From there, it took mesmerizing images of the moon's surface. They included the groundbreaking first photo sent from lunar orbit.
With Chinese help from the Hainan Space Site, Pakistan launched its first mission to the moon. It shows the nation's entry into the global space research race. iCube Qamar weighs 7kg. IST's Electrical Engineering Department in Islamabad developed it over two years.
Suparco successfully put iCube Qamar into orbit around the moon. This put it in line with China's Chang'e 6 mission. With this milestone, Pakistan joins six nations that have gone to the moon. It's a big achievement in its space exploration journey.
