Islamabad: Pakistan marked a historic milestone on Friday with the successful launch of its first indigenously developed Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite, PRSC-EO1, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northern China. The satellite was launched aboard China’s Long March-2D carrier rocket, which also carried Tianlu-1 and Blue Carbon 1 into orbit.
The EO-1 satellite, developed by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), is equipped with advanced electro-optical sensors designed to capture high-resolution data and images of the Earth’s surface. It will play a crucial role in monitoring natural resources, enhancing disaster response, and supporting sustainable development initiatives.
National Progress Through Space Technology
In a statement, Suparco highlighted the satellite’s potential to transform various sectors in Pakistan:
- Agriculture: Precision farming, irrigation management, and crop yield prediction.
- Urban Planning: Monitoring infrastructure growth and managing urban sprawl.
- Environmental Management: Tracking deforestation, glacier recession, and water resources.
- Disaster Management: Providing timely updates on floods, landslides, and earthquakes.
Suparco Chairman Muhammad Yousaf Khan praised the engineers’ dedication and the government’s support, calling the launch a “giant leap forward” in Pakistan’s journey toward self-reliance and space technology excellence. “This achievement underscores Pakistan’s commitment to leveraging space technology for national progress,” he said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif celebrated the launch as a “proud moment” for the nation. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar termed it a “significant achievement” and emphasized its importance in peaceful space exploration.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) also hailed the development as a “momentous milestone,” aligning with the goals of Pakistan’s National Space Policy.
International Collaboration
China’s partnership with Pakistan in space technology has been pivotal. The Long March-2D carrier rocket’s successful launch further solidifies collaboration between the two nations in space exploration. In recent years, Suparco and China have undertaken significant joint ventures, including the launch of the PakSat-MM1 communication satellite in 2023 and a lunar exploration mission set for 2028 under China’s Chang’e 8 program.
A Growing Industry
The global earth observation satellite market, currently valued at $5 billion, is projected to exceed $8 billion by 2033, driven by advancements in satellite technology. Countries such as the United States, China, and India are rapidly expanding their satellite constellations. With the launch of PRSC-EO1, Pakistan joins the league of nations leveraging indigenous capabilities to bolster socio-economic development through space technology.
Suparco reiterated its commitment to advancing space solutions for sustainable development, positioning Pakistan at the forefront of technological innovation in the region.
