BEIJING, May 12 (APP):: The ICUBE-Q satellite is the result of the first lunar exploration cooperation project between China and Pakistan which was guided by the principles of equality, mutual benefits, the peaceful utilization of space and inclusive development.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe project will also enhance the friendship between the two countries and expand diverse cooperation in the field of aerospace,\u201d said Ge Ping, Deputy Director of China National Space Agency (CNSA)\u2019s Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center.<\/p>\n
The collaboration was initially offered by China, expecting a student-built payload to the moon onboard the Chang\u2019e-6 mission. A proposal by Pakistan\u2019s IST went through the selection and started working in a collaborative effort with IST faculty and students, Pakistan\u2019s national space agency SUPARCO and SJTU since 2023, CGTN reported.<\/p>\n
The Chang\u2019e-6 spacecraft, which successfully performed a near-moon braking procedure and entered the lunar orbit on May 8, is operating normally, with subsequent flight control work to be carried out as planned, said Ge.<\/p>\n
“Both China and Pakistan attach great importance to this cooperation. During the development of the payload, government organs and scientific institutions in both countries made significant preparations,\u201d Ge added.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe that this cooperation is of great significance to promoting friendly relations between the two countries and enriching people\u2019s understanding of the moon,\u201d Ge noted, adding that \u201cWe will share our scientific achievements to lay the foundation for future lunar exploration activities, which will be of great significance to promoting the construction of a global community with a shared future in outer space.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cChina and Pakistan have signed a cooperation agreement on the International Lunar Research Station. China has received Pakistan\u2019s applications for payload cooperation on the Chang\u2019e-8 mission and for borrowing lunar samples returned by the Chang\u2019e-5 mission. Relevant work is progressing steadily,he noted.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe welcome Pakistan\u2019s participation in China\u2019s lunar and deep space exploration missions, and we will conduct extensive exchanges and cooperation related to space technology, space science and space applications to contribute to the peaceful use of outer space and serve civilization and global well-being,\u201d Ge said.<\/p>\n
Pakistan Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi said, \u201cThe launch of the Chang\u2019e-6 mission is a model example of international cooperation in action. It demonstrated that China acts on its word, and that it undertakes meaningful cooperation and extends meaningful assistance to developing countries.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPakistan\u2019s involvement in ICUBE-Q is a testament to the fact that the country is also making progress in space exploration and technology,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpace cooperation between China and Pakistan is a vital aspect of our bilateral relations,\u201d Khalil Hashmi said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe two countries have drawn a concrete roadmap for future collaboration on space exploration, knowledge and research exchange visits, and knowledge transfers and resource-sharing,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis mission will open up opportunities for Pakistan to explore the deep space environment and study the dynamics and geography of the moon. It will also give impetus to higher education in the space sciences in Pakistan,\u201d said Syed Amer Ahsan Gilani, deputy director-general of the Satellite Manufacturing Department of the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpace cooperation between China and Pakistan is a vital aspect of our bilateral relations,\u201d Khalil-ur-Rahman Hashmi said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe two countries have drawn a concrete roadmap for future collaboration on space exploration, knowledge and research exchange visits, and knowledge transfers and resource-sharing,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is just the beginning because our satellite ICUBE-Q is still far from our targeted area of the south pole of the moon, and we are anxiously waiting to receive pictures taken from a distance of up to 200 meters from the moon\u2019s surface,\u201d said Khurram Khurshid, the project manager of ICUBE-Q.<\/p>\n
\u201cAbout 65 to 70 students worked on different stages to build the satellite, and it was very exciting for them to receive the pictures because they worked very hard on the project and were keeping their fingers crossed for the results,\u201d Khurshid said.<\/p>\n
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BEIJING, May 12 (APP):: The ICUBE-Q satellite is the result of the first lunar exploration cooperation project between China and Pakistan which was guided by the principles of equality, mutual benefits, the peaceful utilization of space and inclusive development. \u201cThe project will also enhance the […]<\/p>\n
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