SUPARCO expands earth observation fleet with 2nd indigenous Electro-Optical satellite launch

Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) on Thursday announced the successful launch of Pakistan’s second indigenous Electro-Optical satellite (EO-2) launched from Yangjiang Seashore Launch Centre (YSLC), China.

This milestone highlights Pakistan’s advancing capabilities in satellite development and continued strengthening of its national space programme, the SUPARCO said in a statement.

Since Pakistan’s first indigenous satellite (EO-1) was launched in January 2025, and this follows other major 2025/26 milestones like the HS-1 (Hyperspectral) launch and the PRSS-2, the fresh development emphasises the momentum of the national space programme.

READ MORE: Pakistan launches first home-made observation satellite

Pakistan’s space agency had launched EO1, its first home-made observation satellite, in January 2025. This type of satellite uses electro-optical sensors to collect data and images of the Earth’s surface by detecting and measuring reflected sunlight or emitted radiation.

The SUPARCO said EO-2 has been conceived, engineered, and integrated in Pakistan at SUPARCO’s Satellite Research and Development Centre (SRDC).

“Developed through in-house research and systems engineering, the satellite reflects growing national capability across satellite design, payload integration, testing, and mission readiness,” it said.

Designed to operate in coordination with the previously deployed EO-1 satellite, EO-2 observes the Earth under different illumination conditions, enabling improved interpretation of surface features and more reliable change detection. The combined operation enhances imaging continuity and analytical accuracy for national applications.

The SUPARCO said the addition of EO-2 strengthens Pakistan’s Earth observation fleet by improving data availability for sustained national use. The mission demonstrates SUPARCO’s focus on applied research, skilled human resource development, and the systematic expansion of indigenous space infrastructure, while supporting Pakistan’s objective of developing reliable, domestically engineered space systems that directly contribute to planning, governance, and resource management.