Pakistan successfully launches remote sensing satellite

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan successfully launched its Remote Sensing Satellite on Wednesday from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre (XSLC) in China.

The launch marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s space programme, boosting its Earth observation and monitoring capabilities.

According to a news release on Thursday, the mission is a product of strategic collaboration among SUPARCO, China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), and MICROSAT China.

Fitted with state-of-the-art imaging systems, the satellite will support urban planning, precision agriculture, disaster response, environmental protection, and food security efforts.

The satellite is also expected to assist in monitoring deforestation, glacier melt, and climate change impacts, along with enhancing water and land management. It will aid in infrastructure surveillance, transport mapping, and regional planning, especially in relation to national projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Additionally, the system will identify geohazard threats and provide timely alerts for natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes, and landslides.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal Thursday congratulated the nation on the successful launch of Pakistan’s latest remote sensing satellite, calling it a proud milestone in the country’s space journey. He expressed deep appreciation for the scientists and engineers of SUPARCO, acknowledging their outstanding contribution to the mission. “We are immensely thankful to China for its consistent support and collaboration in this venture,” he said in a statement. Speaking on X (formerly Twitter), Iqbal said, “This achievement not only strengthens our space capabilities but also takes the Pakistan-China iron brotherhood beyond the skies.” Currently on a five-day official visit to China, Ahsan Iqbal attended the satellite launch as the guest of honour and is holding strategic talks with Chinese officials on CPEC Phase II, trade, and high-tech cooperation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated SUPARCO and its team of scientists and engineers on Thursday on the successful launch of Pakistan’s advanced remote sensing satellite, calling it a landmark achievement and a testament to Pak-China space collaboration. In a message on his official X account, the PM stated, “Heartfelt congratulations to SUPARCO and the entire team on the successful launch. This achievement reflects the growing heights of Pakistan-China cooperation, reaching beyond borders into outer space to harness technology for the benefit of humanity.” He stressed that the satellite would significantly enhance capabilities under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and serve vital sectors such as agriculture, urban planning, disaster management, and transportation mapping. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar praised the technical teams for their “exemplary cooperation and unwavering commitment,” saying the achievement reaffirms Pakistan’s standing among spacefaring nations.