PAKISTAN ORBITING BACK INTO SPACE EXPLORATION
SP’s Aviation|Issue 5, 2024
In a first, Pakistan's satellite, iCUBE-Q, was launched on May 3, 2024 to orbit the moon as part of China's Chang'e-6 lunar mission
AYUSHEE CHAUDHARY
PAKISTAN ORBITING BACK INTO SPACE EXPLORATION

IN A FIRST FOR THE COUNTRY, PAKISTAN’S SATELLITE, ICUBE-Q, was launched on May 3, 2024 to orbit the moon as part of China’s Chang’e-6 lunar mission. Led by the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the mission targets the South Pole-Aitken Basin to gather dust and rock samples, providing invaluable insights into the composition and characteristics of this lunar region. Weighing about 7 kg, Pakistan’s maiden lunar satellite iCUBE-Q was developed through collaboration between Pakistan’s Institute of Space Technology (IST) and China’s Shanghai University.

ICUBE-QAMAR

Riding aboard the Chang’e-6 probe, the iCUBE-Qamar was deployed from the Chang’e-6 spacecraft on May 8. The iCUBE-Q orbiter carried two optical cameras to image the lunar surface. Alongside capturing images, the iCUBEQ orbiter is also collecting valuable data on the lunar magnetic field and laying the groundwork for future missions and international collaborations. The data collected by this miniature satellite will provide valuable insights into the Moon’s topography, geological features, and potential resource deposits.

This story is from the Issue 5, 2024 edition of SP’s Aviation.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Issue 5, 2024 edition of SP’s Aviation.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM SP’S AVIATIONView All
"MIDDLE-EAST REGION IS A LAUNCH PAD, AND OUR AIRCRAFT ARE WELL-SUITED FOR MISSIONS OUT OF HERE"
SP’s Aviation

"MIDDLE-EAST REGION IS A LAUNCH PAD, AND OUR AIRCRAFT ARE WELL-SUITED FOR MISSIONS OUT OF HERE"

The MEBAA show, held in Dubai every second year, witnesses a very regular participation of Gulfstream Aerospace. The 2024 edition held in December last year also witnessed a great and active participation of Gulfstream. Jayant Baranwal, Editorin-Chief, SP's Aviation, had an exclusive conversation at this occasion, with Michael Swift, Group Vice President - Sales, EMEA & APAC, Gulfstream Aerospace.

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 1, 2025
MEBAA SHOW 2024 MIRRORING BIZAV GROWTH IN MIDDLE EAST
SP’s Aviation

MEBAA SHOW 2024 MIRRORING BIZAV GROWTH IN MIDDLE EAST

The Middle East is emerging as a key player in global business aviation, emphasising sustainability, leading platforms for advanced air mobility, enhanced connectivity, and luxury services to cater to corporate and individual clients

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 1, 2025
A LEGACY OF SAFETY, EFFICIENCY, AND INNOVATION
SP’s Aviation

A LEGACY OF SAFETY, EFFICIENCY, AND INNOVATION

Dassault Falcon Business Jets are redefining luxury and safety in Business Aviation. Carlos Brana, Executive Vice President Civil Aircraft, Dassault Aviation shares insights into the company's vision and cutting-edge technology in an exclusive conversation with Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief of SP's Aviation, during 2024 edition of MEBAA held in Dubai.

time-read
9 mins  |
Issue 1, 2025
A SPECTACULAR SHOWCASE OF AIRCRAFT & COLLABORATIONS
SP’s Aviation

A SPECTACULAR SHOWCASE OF AIRCRAFT & COLLABORATIONS

MEBAA 2024 was marked by a series of groundbreaking announcements and collaborations, reflecting the sector's innovation, growth, and adaptability to emerging trends

time-read
6 mins  |
Issue 1, 2025
"THE PERCEPTION IS WHAT WE HAVE TO CHANGE"
SP’s Aviation

"THE PERCEPTION IS WHAT WE HAVE TO CHANGE"

In an exclusive chat with Jayant Baranwal, Chairman and Managing Director, SP Guide Publications at the recently concluded MEBAA 2024, Ali Ahmed Alnaqbi, Chairman of the IBAC Governing Board, and Founding Chairman, Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) shared his insights and vision on Business Aviation's Role, Challenges and a Sustainable Future

time-read
6 mins  |
Issue 1, 2025
EYES IN THE SKY: INDIA'S PUSH FOR ADVANCED AEW&C CAPABILITIES
SP’s Aviation

EYES IN THE SKY: INDIA'S PUSH FOR ADVANCED AEW&C CAPABILITIES

India's AEW&C modernising efforts are now geared up for critical decisions amid delays

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 1, 2025
SPADEX: ANOTHER FEATHER IN ISRO'S CAP
SP’s Aviation

SPADEX: ANOTHER FEATHER IN ISRO'S CAP

SpaDEx is key to achieving India's long-term space exploration goals, including manned spaceflight, spacecraft maintenance, and the construction of the Bharat Antariksha Station (BAS)

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 1, 2025
DR V. NARAYANAN TAKES OVER AS CHARGE OF SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF SPACE; CHAIRMAN, SPACE COMMISSION AND CHAIRMAN ISRO
SP’s Aviation

DR V. NARAYANAN TAKES OVER AS CHARGE OF SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF SPACE; CHAIRMAN, SPACE COMMISSION AND CHAIRMAN ISRO

Dr V. Narayanan assumed the charge of Secretary, Department of Space, Chairman, Space Commission and Chairman, ISRO on the afternoon of January 13, 2025.

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 1, 2025
BRIDGING THE GAP IN THE SKIES
SP’s Aviation

BRIDGING THE GAP IN THE SKIES

Ministry of Defence sets up a committee to address gaps within the Indian Air Force with a focus on Fighter Jet Squadrons UCAVs

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 12, 2024
"WE SHOULD PUT ALL OUR EFFORTS INTO BEING SELF-RELIANT ON AN AERO-ENGINE 99 AIR MARSHAL TEJINDER SINGH, DCAS
SP’s Aviation

"WE SHOULD PUT ALL OUR EFFORTS INTO BEING SELF-RELIANT ON AN AERO-ENGINE 99 AIR MARSHAL TEJINDER SINGH, DCAS

The quest for an indigenous aero-engine remains a challenge despite the initial success of the Kaveri engine. Can it be a national mission? What is needed to achieve a higher thrust of engine for Tejas Mk2 and AMCA? The possibilities are discussed at the TDF DRDO Conference among the leaders and outstanding aerospace scientists at the Conference.

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 12, 2024