Pakistan Lunar Mission: What are CubeSats? How big are they? Internet reactions and more

Pakistan, which has been facing a tough economic situation, on Friday launched its first satellite mission to the moon called iCube Qamar. They joined forces with China’s Chang’E 6 mission for this endeavour. China launched the Chang’E 6 lunar exploration mission on May 3rd using the Long March 5 rocket from Hainan.

According to a statement from Dr. Khurram Khurshid to Geo News, a member of the Core Committee at the Institute of Space Technology (IST) saying that Pakistan’s satellite will reach the lunar orbit in five days and will circle around the moon for about three to six months.

— CMShehbaz (@CMShehbaz)

What is the purpose of Pakistan’s satellite on the moon?
Pakistan’s CubeSat Satellite, iCUBE-Q, was created through a partnership between IST, China’s Shanghai University, and Pakistan’s national space agency, SUPARCO. The iCUBE-Q satellite is equipped with two optical cameras designed to capture various images of the moon’s surface. These images will enable Pakistan to have its own satellite-based research imagery of the moon, as explained by Khurshid.

Why is China helping Pakistan’s satellite on its moon mission?
In 2022, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) offered member states of the Asia Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO) a unique chance to contribute a student-built payload to the Chang’e 6 mission heading to the moon. Pakistan’s ICUBE-Q was selected for this opportunity.

What are CubeSats?
CubeSats are diminutive satellites known for their compact dimensions and uniform design. They are built in a cubic form, comprising modular components adhering to precise size limitations.These satellites typically weigh only a few kilograms and serve various purposes in space exploration, primarily aiding scientific research, technological advancement, and educational endeavours. Additionally, they support a broad spectrum of missions such as Earth observation, remote sensing, atmospheric studies, communication, astronomy, and technology testing.

How is the internet reacting to Pakistan’s lunar mission?
The online world is abuzz with memes about Pakistan’s lunar mission. One meme features a painting from the movie “Welcome” showing a donkey on a horse, humorously suggesting it’s Pakistan’s lunar mission on a Chinese spacecraft.