ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday announced the successful launch of its Remote Sensing Satellite in collaboration with China, calling it a “significant milestone” and expressing hope that the development will aid disaster management, food security and environmental protection.

The launch marks another step in Pakistan’s growing engagement with outer space with Chinese assistance. The two countries are also preparing to send the first Pakistani astronaut into space aboard China’s Tiangong space station, with training programs currently underway.

“Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), the National Space Agency of Pakistan, proudly announces a historic achievement with the successful launch of Remote Sensing Satellite from Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC), China,” SUPARCO said in a statement.

“Remote Sensing Satellite will provide imaging capabilities to revolutionize urban planning, disaster management, food security and environmental protection,” it added. “It will also greatly aid in monitoring climate change, managing water resources, mapping agricultural patterns and tracking deforestation.”

The satellite was launched with technical cooperation from the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) and MICROSAT China.

SUPARCO said the satellite will also support national development initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) by mapping transportation networks and identifying geohazard risks.

The statement noted the launch would serve as the foundation for an integrated Earth Observation System aimed at supporting national priorities and sustainable development.

It informed that Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal also praised the efforts of engineers and technical experts from both countries, calling the launch a symbol of “unwavering commitment to technological progress.”