Pakistan’s space program is celebrating a major milestone! Their first lunar satellite, iCube Qamar, has beamed back its first picture from lunar orbit.

This exciting achievement comes after iCube Qamar successfully circled the moon three times. Launched on May 3rd aboard China’s Chang’e-6 mission, the tiny satellite reached lunar orbit on May 8th.

iCube Qamar, a creation of Pakistan’s Institute of Space Technology (IST), is equipped with two cameras. These cameras are snapping close-up photos of the moon’s surface from just 200 kilometers away.

Developed in collaboration with China’s Shanghai University, iCube Qamar marks a significant leap forward for Pakistan’s space ambitions. This mission is part of China’s larger Chang’e-6 program, which aims to collect samples from the far side of the moon and return them to Earth for study.

What are CubeSats?

iCube Qamar is a type of satellite called a CubeSat. These miniature marvels are known for their compact size and standardized design. Imagine tiny cubes built from modular components that all fit together according to specific measurements. These lightweight satellites, typically weighing just a few kilograms, are incredibly versatile.

CubeSats play a big role in space exploration, often used for scientific research, developing new technologies, and even educational projects. Their missions can range from studying Earth and its atmosphere to communication, astronomy, and testing out new tech in space.

This is a big win for Pakistan’s space program, and we can’t wait to see what amazing images iCube Qamar sends back next!