ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has confirmed the “successful deployment” and “operational readiness” of the country’s latest remote sensing satellite, launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC) in China, on July 31.
The satellite, PRSS-1, will primarily be used in the fields of land resource surveys and disaster prevention and mitigation, and it will help promote the development of Pakistan, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said this month.
SUPARCO said the satellite, following the successful launch, has established “stable contact” with ground stations and begun capturing and transmitting high-resolution imagery, greatly enhancing data availability and reliability for various national sectors.
“The satellite will deliver high-quality imaging capabilities to support a wide range of applications, revolutionizing urban planning, infrastructure development, and regional planning by monitoring urban expansion and growth trends,” it said in a statement on Friday.
“It will strengthen disaster management efforts through timely data for early warnings and rapid response to floods, landslides, earthquakes, and other hazards, while also aiding environmental protection by tracking glacier recession, deforestation, and climate change indicators.”
The satellite will enhance agricultural productivity through precision farming, mapping of crop patterns, and improved water resource management, thereby contributing to food security, according to SUPARCO.
In addition, it will play a strategic role in national development projects such as the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) by mapping transportation networks, identifying geohazard risks and facilitating efficient resource allocation that will not only improve decision-making across multiple sectors but also promote sustainable socio-economic development and strengthen Pakistan’s technological autonomy.
The satellite launch and deployment mark another step in Pakistan’s growing engagement with outer space through Chinese assistance.
“This remarkable accomplishment highlights Pakistan’s advancing capabilities in space-based technologies, and SUPARCO’s dedication to strengthening national infrastructure for Earth observation,” SUPARCO said.
“It not only contributes to achieving self-reliance but also opens new avenues for advancement, sustainability and informed decision-making across key sectors.”
China and Pakistan are also preparing to send the first Pakistani astronaut into space aboard China’s Tiangong space station, with training programs currently underway.
