Pakistan to launch first Hyperspectral Satellite HS-1 from China

ISLAMABAD: The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has announced the launch of Pakistan’s first Hyperspectral Satellite (HS-1) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre (JSLC) in China, scheduled for October 19.

Marking a major leap in the country’s space journey, the HS-1 mission is set to usher Pakistan into a new era of advanced space-based applications in agriculture, disaster management, urban planning and environmental monitoring.

In the agriculture sector, the satellite’s hyperspectral imaging capabilities will enable precision farming through high-resolution data acquisition and calibration.

By providing detailed insights into crop health, soil moisture and irrigation patterns, HS-1 is expected to enhance yield estimation by 15–20 percent, contributing significantly to the nation’s food security. For urban development, HS-1’s state-of-the-art sensors will help monitor environmental changes, map infrastructure, and analyse urban growth trends.

Its ability to capture the spectral signatures of man-made structures will support sustainable city planning, efficient resource management, and informed land-use policies.

In the fields of environmental monitoring and disaster management, the satellite will play a pivotal role in early warning and rapid response mechanisms.