Pakistan is gearing up for its first-ever lunar mission, marking a significant milestone in the country's space exploration endeavors. The ambitious project, named iCube-Q, is set to commence with the launch of Pakistan's first spacecraft, scheduled to embark on its journey to the moon with the assistance of China.

The Institute of Space Technology (IST), Pakistan's space research institute, announced that the historic lunar mission is slated to begin on Friday, with the spacecraft scheduled to take off at 12:50 PM local time. While the spacecraft will not be launched from Pakistani soil, it will initiate its voyage towards space from the launch center in Hainan province, China, utilizing the Chinese-made Chang'an-6 lunar rover.

Developed by IST, the iCube-Q space satellite is equipped with two optical cameras designed to capture images of the lunar surface. The project received support from China's Shanghai University and Pakistan's space research institute Superco. Following successful integration with the Chang'an-6 rocket and comprehensive quality tests, the iCube-Q is primed for launch.

The momentous event will be broadcast live on IST's official website and various social media platforms, allowing viewers to witness the milestone in real-time. The mission marks Pakistan's entry into the realm of lunar exploration, positioning the country as the second in the Indian subcontinent to embark on such a venture, following India's historic landing on the South Pole of the Moon in August last year.

As Pakistan embarks on this historic journey to the moon, the collaborative efforts with China underscore the significance of international cooperation in advancing space exploration and scientific discovery.