BEIJING, May 10 (Xinhua) – China on Friday provided Pakistan with data provided by the cubic satellite aboard the Chang’e 6 spacecraft, deepening cooperation in lunar exploration between the two countries.
Zhang Kejian, director-general of the China National Space Administration (CNSA), handed over the data carrier to Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil-ur-Rahman Hashmi at a ceremony in Beijing.
The cubic satellite “ICUBE-Q” was developed by Pakistan’s Institute of Space Technology and China’s Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The Chang’e 6 lunar probe was launched on May 3, carrying four international payloads, including ICUBE-Q.
ICUBE-Q separated from Chang’e 6 on May 8 and conducted exploration activities such as taking images of the moon.
The Chang’e 6 spacecraft successfully performed a brake operation near the moon and entered lunar orbit on May 8, but it is operating normally and subsequent flight control work is scheduled to be carried out as planned. , said Kakuhei, deputy director of the bureau. CNSA’s Center for Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering.
Both China and Pakistan attach great importance to this cooperation. During the development of the payload, government agencies and scientific institutions from both countries made significant preparations, Ge said.
“I believe that this cooperation is extremely important in promoting friendly relations between our two countries and deepening people’s understanding of the moon.”
The ICUBE-Q satellite is the result of the first lunar exploration cooperation project between China and Pakistan. The project was based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit, peaceful use of space and inclusive development. This will also strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries and expand diverse cooperation in the aerospace field, Ge said.
“We will share our scientific results and lay the foundation for future lunar exploration efforts, which will be critical to fostering the creation of a global community with a shared destiny in space.” he added.
He pointed out that China and Pakistan have signed a cooperation agreement on the International Lunar Research Station. China has received an application from Pakistan for payload cooperation on the Chang’e 8 mission and an application to borrow lunar samples returned from the Chang’e 5 mission. Related work is progressing steadily.
“We welcome Pakistan’s participation in China’s lunar and deep space exploration missions, carry out extensive exchanges and cooperation related to space technology, space science and space applications, and contribute to the peaceful use of outer space. , contribute to civilization and the well-being of the world,” Ge said.
The launch of the Chang’e 6 mission is a model example of international cooperation in action. Khalil-ur-Rahman Hashmi said this showed that China was acting on its commitments, engaging in meaningful cooperation and providing meaningful support to developing countries.
He said Pakistan’s involvement in ICUBE-Q is evidence of the fact that the country is also progressing in space exploration and space technology.
This mission will open opportunities for Pakistan to explore the deep space environment and study the mechanics and geography of the Moon. Syed Amer Ahsan Gilani, Deputy Director, Satellite Manufacturing Department, Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Board, said this will also give an impetus to higher education in space sciences in Pakistan.
Khalil-ur-Rahman Hashmi said, “Space cooperation between China and Pakistan is an important aspect of bilateral relations.” He added that the two countries have drawn up a concrete roadmap for future cooperation on space exploration, knowledge and research exchange visits, knowledge transfer and resource sharing. ■
