KARACHI: Pakistan launched its first home-made observation satellite on Friday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northern China, Pakistan’s space agency said.
The PRSC-EO1 satellite will boost Pakistan’s ability to monitor and manage natural resources, respond to disasters, and improve urban planning and agricultural development, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) said in a statement.
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.
China’s Long March-2D carrier rocket also launched on Friday two other satellites, Tianlu-1 and Blue Carbon 1, into orbit along with the PRSC EO1, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation said in a statement.
PakSat-MM1 satellite: Planning minister asks Suparco chief to develop business plan
“Spearheaded by SUPARCO, this demonstrates our nation’s growing capabilities in space science and technology,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Currently valued at $5 billion, the earth observation satellite market is among the fastest growing sectors within the commercial space industry, with Novaspace predicting it to exceed $8 billion by 2033.
Countries including the United States, China and India have been building their own government and private satellite constellations to map the Earth. Indian startup Pixxel this month launched the country’s first privately built satellite constellation.
PM felicitates nation, scientists on EO-1 launch
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday congratulated the nation as well as the scientists and engineers on the successful launch of the country’s first indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China.
“Soaring higher and higher! Proud moment for the nation as Pakistan proudly launches its first indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China,” the premier said in a post on X.
He noted that from predicting crop yields to tracking urban growth, EO-1 was a leap forward in the nation’s journey towards progress.
The premier also acknowledged Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO)‘s efforts, saying the successful satellite launch spearheaded by SUPARCO demonstrated the nation’s growing capabilities in space science and technology.
“Congratulations to our scientists and engineers for their dedication and a great team effort,” he added.
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