Pakistan's new satellite goes live, eyes earth from above

KARACHI (Web Desk) - Pakistan’s latest remote sensing satellite, launched last month from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Centre, is now fully operational, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) confirmed in a statement.

The satellite has successfully established stable contact with ground stations, transmitting high-resolution imagery. Officials say the data will significantly enhance national capabilities across various sectors, including urban development, agriculture, disaster management, and environmental monitoring.

Suparco stated that the satellite’s imaging technology will support more effective urban planning by tracking city expansion and infrastructure growth, while also improving regional development strategies.

In disaster-prone areas, the satellite’s real-time data will provide early warnings and enhance rapid responses to emergencies, such as floods, earthquakes, and landslides. Environmentalists and researchers will benefit from its ability to monitor glacier melt, deforestation, and broader climate change trends.

As Pakistan’s second remote sensing satellite after PRSS-1, it is expected to play a vital role in advancing precision agriculture, mapping crop cycles, and optimizing water use—key elements for improving food security.

Crucially, the satellite is also set to aid strategic national initiatives, including the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), by supporting infrastructure planning, resource allocation, and geohazard risk assessments.

“Collectively, these capabilities will not only improve decision-making across multiple sectors but also promote sustainable socio-economic development and strengthen Pakistan’s technological autonomy,” Suparco emphasised.