China delivered the data from ICUBE-Q, a lunar orbiter co-developed by Pakistan's Institute of Space Technology (IST) and China's Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), to Pakistan on Friday. The satellite captured its first image on May 8 as it separated from the Chang'e-6 orbiter to carry out exploration activities such as capturing images of the moon.

Zhang Kejian, head of the China National Space Administration (CNSA), handed a data carrier to Pakistani Ambassador to China Khalil-ur-Rahman Hashmi at a ceremony held in Beijing. The images captured by the satellite were also released to the public.

The Chang'e-6 lunar probe was launched on May 3 and carried four international payloads, including ICUBE-Q. The satellite separated into lunar orbit from the Chang'e-6 orbiter, obtained data from the satellite, and sent the photos it took, including one of the moon, back to Earth.

The ICUBE-Q satellite is the result of the first lunar exploration cooperation project between China and Pakistan. The project was guided by the principles of equality, mutual benefits, the peaceful utilization of space and inclusive development. It will also enhance the friendship between the two countries and expand diverse cooperation in the field of aerospace, said Ge Ping, deputy director of the CNSA's Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center.