• Pakistan Remote-Sensing Satellite (PRSS-1) is also a shining symbol of national innovation, strategic foresightedness in scientific and technological field

• PRSS-1 has been designed for research and earth observation, and aims to improve natural disaster monitoring and early warning systems.

By: Muhammad Arif, Editor NSN.Asia

Islamabad: China on Thursday launched the Pakistan Remote-Sensing Satellite (PRSS-1) from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China’s Sichuan Province.

Launched at 10:00 a.m. (Beijing Time) by a Kuaizhou-1A (KZ-1A) carrier rocket, the PRSS-1 has entered its planned orbit.

The satellite will be primarily used in the fields of land resource surveys and disaster prevention and mitigation.

Federal Minister for Planning & Development, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary congratulated the nation on the successful launch of Pakistan’s fourth Earth Observation Satellite from China saying “a proud moment in our scientific journey and a shining symbol of Pak-China iron brotherhood reaching new heights”.

It gave me great pride to see our talented women engineers as part of the Pakistani team behind today’s successful launch of our 4th Earth Observation Satellite, he said lauding the women engineers of the project.

“Pakistani women are breaking barriers and excelling in every field—from science and technology to leadership and innovation, he noted.

He said “I strongly encourage more young women scientists and engineers to step forward and play their role in space exploration and national development, shaping a brighter, more advanced Pakistan”.

The event was broadcast live from SUPARCO’s headquarters in Karachi, underscoring the national significance of the occasion.

According to officials, the satellite is equipped with advanced electro-optical and hyperspectral sensors capable of providing real-time data for a range of applications including disaster prediction, agricultural assessment, environmental monitoring, and urban development.

“This is a landmark achievement in Pakistan’s space journey,” said the Director General of SPARC, calling the launch a “major breakthrough” that will support national development and improve disaster resilience. “It will not only help us in effective disaster management but also in food security, infrastructure planning and climate response.”

The satellite is expected to bolster the country’s capacity to issue early warnings for natural disasters such as floods, landslides and earthquakes, which have historically taken a heavy toll on lives and livelihoods. Its capabilities will also extend to crop monitoring and assessment, particularly aiding food security efforts amid changing climate patterns.

Officials said the satellite will also be instrumental in tracking infrastructure expansion, especially projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), giving authorities a more comprehensive and real-time view of progress and compliance.

The latest launch builds upon Pakistan’s earlier efforts in space technology. In 2018, the country launched its first remote sensing satellite, PRSS-1, along with the Pakistan Technology Evaluation Satellite (PakTES-1A), both of which provided valuable experience that informed the current mission. More recently, the EO-1 electro-optical satellite was launched, further expanding Pakistan’s presence in low Earth orbit.

The successful launch of Pakistan’s remote sensing satellite is a significant step towards national security and scientific and technological development projects, besides a promising advancement in China Pakistan win-win cooperation partnership.

Pakistan and China have significantly strengthened their bilateral cooperation in space, particularly in satellite communication and technology. This collaboration is driving advancements in Pakistan’s space program, including satellite launches, lunar missions, and the development of space-based internet. Both nations are actively pursuing joint ventures and investments in these areas, with a focus on enhancing Pakistan’s satellite capabilities and expanding its presence in the growing space economy.

China, Pakistan Strategic Cooperation Partnership Advancing Satellite Communication

The key areas of Cooperation focuses on development of satellite technology wherein Pakistan is working with China to develop and launch communication and remote sensing satellites.

Also in the domain of Internet, Pakistan is exploring opportunities with Chinese companies like Galaxy Space to develop space-based internet infrastructure.

Pakistan is participating in China’s lunar exploration programs, including the launch of a lunar satellite and the potential inclusion of a Pakistani rover in the Chang’e-8 mission.

Pakistan is also collaborating with China on training and sending its first astronaut to the Chinese Tiangong space station.

The launch of Pakistan’s Remote Sensing Satellite, with Chinese assistance, is a significant step for disaster management, food security, and environmental monitoring.

Pakistan is exploring the potential use of China’s BeiDou satellite navigation system.

Pakistani officials have met with Chinese companies like Galaxy Space to discuss joint ventures in satellite manufacturing, space-based internet, and other space-related technologies.

Additionally, the satellite’s launch is anticipated to play a major role in advancing and promoting China Pakistan strategic cooperation, and the accelerate construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a project of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Observers says this satellite project is a milestone in cooperation between China and Pakistan and is expected to revolutionize communication in the country and serve as a giant leap toward a digitally connected Pakistan.