Pakistan Successfully Launches Remote Sensing Satellite from China

News Desk

Islamabad: In a significant stride towards technological advancement and space self-reliance, Pakistan on Wednesday successfully launched its Remote Sensing Satellite from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC) in China.

The satellite’s deployment marks a major milestone in the country’s space program, enhancing its Earth observation and imaging capabilities.

The project is a result of close collaboration between the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), and MICROSAT China.

Equipped with advanced imaging technology, the satellite is expected to play a vital role in various sectors including urban planning, precision agriculture, disaster management, environmental monitoring, and food security.

It will aid in tracking deforestation, glacier retreat, and the impacts of climate change, while supporting better water resource management and agricultural planning.

The satellite will also bolster infrastructure monitoring and transportation mapping, offering crucial data for national development initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Furthermore, it is designed to identify geohazard risks and provide timely warnings for natural disasters including floods, earthquakes, and landslides.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, congratulated the nation on the successful launch and lauded the efforts of SUPARCO scientists and engineers.

“We are deeply grateful to China for its unwavering support and cooperation in this project,” he said. “The satellite has successfully entered its designated orbit and will soon begin delivering vital data for national use.”

Looking ahead, the minister reiterated Pakistan’s long-term space ambitions. “We are committed to restoring Pakistan’s leadership in space technology. With China’s help, we plan to send a Pakistani astronaut into space next year. By 2035, we aim to land on the moon,” he announced.

Chairman SUPARCO, Mohammad Yousaf Khan, hailed the launch as a foundational step toward building a robust, integrated Earth Observation System for Pakistan.

He emphasized that the satellite would directly support national priorities and contribute to the country’s sustainable socio-economic development.