In the core of challenging times concerning Pakistan’s security, politics, and economy, it is essential to maintain patience and resilience, steadfast in the belief that brighter days lie ahead. Despite these adversities, a beacon of hope shines through a momentous achievement that deserves celebration, especially among the younger generation, Pakistan’s groundbreaking success in space exploration.
This remarkable feat marks Pakistan as the first country globally that have crescent printed green flag have reached the space of real moon, a symbolic triumph representing the nation’s entry into the celestial realm.
The achievement of this milestone, achieved through the tireless efforts of Pakistan’s scientists and technical team, serves as a testament to the country’s growing prowess in the field of space exploration. That is a mile stone for the entire nation to celebrate
Notably, Pakistan’s inaugural satellite space mission, iCube, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully reaching lunar orbit. Following the deployment of iCube Qamar, rigorous reviews of all subsystems are currently underway, adhering to standardized operating procedures. It is anticipated that it may take approximately a week to verify all subsystems before the satellite’s imaging system becomes fully operational.
As a result, the first image of the moon captured by iCube Qamar is expected to be received by May 15 or 16, marking a historic moment for the nation that will opens more door in the field of research on the moon for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s entry into lunar orbit positions it as the sixth country worldwide to send a satellite into this celestial domain. Concurrently, the Chang’e-6 mission has commenced its lunar orbit journey under the influence of the moon’s gravitational pull.
Subsequent phases of the mission will involve the landing of the Chang’e-6 lander and ascender on the backside of the moon’s South Pole, with soil and rock samples scheduled for collection on June 2.
The mission is slated to return on June 4, following which it will be docked on June 6, embarking on a 53-day mission before its anticipated return to Earth on June 25.
While the achievements of iCube Qamar and the Chang’e-6 mission herald a new era of space exploration for Pakistan, it is essential to address certain criticisms that have emerged, particularly regarding iCube Qamar’s launch from a non-Pakistani launching pad.
It is crucial to understand that space science represents one of the most expensive scientific endeavors globally, and Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to develop its own launching pad underscore its commitment to space exploration.
Furthermore, it is well-intentioned that many countries engage in joint projects in space science, as evidenced by the European Union’s substantial investment in the European Space Agency. Despite Pakistan’s comparatively modest budget for space exploration, there is immense potential for growth and development, particularly through increased government support and funding for organizations like SUPARCO.
As we know that the European Space Agency’s 2023 budget is $7.08 billion. The European Space Agency operates on the basis of geographical return, meaning that it invests in each member state through industrial contracts for space programs roughly equal to each country’s contribution, compared to Pakistan’s Suparco. The budget for 2023 is only Rs 7 billion but still this achievement is significant and it is hoped that when the time comes SPARCO will also be able to complete much bigger missions.
As we celebrate the success of iCube Qamar and look towards future missions, let us not dwell on criticisms but instead rally behind Pakistan’s scientists and technical teams, acknowledging their dedication and expertise in advancing the country’s capabilities in space science. With continued support and investment, Pakistan’s space program is poised to achieve even greater heights in the years to come, inspiring generations to come.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s triumph in space exploration stands as a inspiration of hope amidst adversity, showcasing the nation’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge. As the nation navigates through challenging times, let us draw inspiration from this achievement and work towards a brighter future, both here on Earth and beyond.
