Beyond the Screen: Satellite Launching by Pakistan

Satellite Launching by Pakistan:

SUPARCO’s origins date to the early 1960s, focusing on atmospheric research and rocketry. This foundation led to Pakistan’s first satellite program. On July 16, 1990, SUPARCO orbited Badr-1, a 52 kg communication and technology-test satellite, via a Chinese Long March rocket. Badr-1’s success fulfilled SUPARCO’s early objectives and demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to design and operate a satellite. This achievement paved the way for future projects in the 1990s.

The next satellite, Badr-B, was a 68.5 kg follow-up launched from Russia in 2001. Badr-B carried basic Earth-observation instruments. Although small, these two satellites (Badr-1 and Badr-B) established Pakistan’s presence in space and provided valuable data. They were largely technology demonstrators but set the stage for operational satellites and communications projects.

Notably, in 2001 SUPARCO acquired its first geostationary satellite slot. In December 2001, Pakistan negotiated to lease Indonesia’s Palapa-C1 satellite, renaming it PakSat-1 for national use. This provided television and data services even before Pakistan built its own communications satellite. The leased PakSat-1 was an interim solution, and by the late 2000s Pakistan was preparing to launch a domestically-owned satellite to replace it.

The PakSat Program: Communications Satellites:

1. PakSat-1 (2002) – First geostationary communications satellite (leased Palapa-C1 from Indonesia).

2. PakSat-1R (2011) – Pakistani-owned geostationary communications satellite (built by China).
3. PakSat-MM1R (2024) – Next-generation high-power geostationary communications satellite (joint venture with China, includes SBAS for navigation/agriculture).

Pakistan built on PakSat-1’s leased service by launching PakSat-1R on August 11, 2011. Built by China Great Wall Industries and launched by a Chinese Long March 3B/E rocket, PakSat-1R (5,115 kg) provided permanent C-band and Ku-band capacity for South Asia. It allowed Pakistani broadcasters and telecom companies to operate independently. In May 2024,

Pakistan launched PakSat-MM1R (also called PakSat-MM1). This high-power satellite not only carries additional transponders but also includes a Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) to improve GPS accuracy for mapping, agriculture and aviation. PakSat-MM1R operates at 66°E and expands the region’s communications infrastructure.

These PakSat satellites, managed by PakSat International, underpin Pakistan’s satellite communications network. Meanwhile, Pakistani universities and research groups are also launching small satellites (CubeSats) for technology and education, marking a new era of space activity.

Remote Sensing and New Horizons:

In parallel with communications satellites, SUPARCO developed Earth observation satellites to help Pakistan manage its environment and resources. A major breakthrough occurred on July 9, 2018, when China launched two Pakistani satellites. These were PakTES-1A and PRSS-1. PakTES-1A (300 kg) was a technology demonstrator built by SUPARCO, while PRSS-1 (also 300 kg) was Pakistan’s first dedicated optical imaging satellite. PRSS-1 provides imagery at 0.98 meter resolution, meaning each pixel covers roughly a square meter on the ground.

This allowed Pakistan to begin acquiring its own detailed satellite imagery rather than relying solely on foreign data. SUPARCO ground stations in Islamabad and Karachi receive PRSS-1 data for applications like crop monitoring, forest surveys and urban planning.

These satellites deliver data directly to Pakistani agencies. For example, after a major flood or earthquake, PRSS-1 images help map the damage quickly. Farmers use the imagery to assess crop health and plan irrigation. Over time, analysts can compare successive PRSS-1 images to track deforestation or water body changes. In 2021, SUPARCO also built a PakTES-1B radar technology satellite (33 kg) to test space communications. In sum, by the late 2010s Pakistan had launched several science and technology satellites – evidence that SUPARCO was moving beyond basic tests toward operational remote sensing.

2025 Launches and the HS-1 Mission:

Figure: A satellite orbiting Earth, representing Pakistan’s remote sensing capability. Pakistan dramatically increased its satellite activity in 2025. On January 17, 2025, SUPARCO launched EO-1 (Electro-Optical Satellite-1) from China. EO-1 was designed and assembled in Pakistan (with some foreign components), making it the country’s first fully indigenous Earth observation satellite. Reuters reported it as Pakistan’s first “home-made observation satellite”. EO-1 carries high-resolution optical cameras and an experimental imaging spectrometer for vegetation and land use mapping. The launch was widely publicized in Pakistani media as evidence of growing local engineering capability.

The crowning achievement came on October 19, 2025 with the launch of HS-1 (Hyperspectral Satellite-1). HS-1 carries a state-of-the-art hyperspectral imager that splits reflected light into hundreds of narrow spectral bands. This allows identification of materials by their spectral signature – for example, distinguishing crop varieties or detecting soil moisture that are invisible to regular cameras. Once on orbit and after checkout, HS-1 will join Pakistan’s fleet of satellites. Gulf News noted that it will “join Pakistan’s growing fleet of satellites, including PRSS-1, EO-1, and KS-1”.

These high-tech payloads align with Pakistan’s strategic goals: the government has tied them to its Vision 2047 and national development plans. Officials say HS-1 will enhance food security and disaster management by improving planning and early warning; for instance, the Foreign Office mentioned it could identify geological hazards like landslides along highways.

Vision 2047 and Lunar Exploration:

Pakistan’s national Space Vision 2047 outlines ambitious goals for the coming decades. Pakistani officials have stated plans to launch five geostationary satellites, six more low-orbit (LEO) satellites, send a Pakistani astronaut into space, and develop an indigenous satellite launch vehicle. In line with these goals, Pakistan made significant strides in 2024: on May 30, 2024 it launched PakSat-MM1R, a high-power geostationary communications satellite equipped with a Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) to improve navigation and mapping.

Just days earlier on May 3, 2024, Pakistan achieved another milestone by launching iCube-Qamar (iCUBE-Q), the country’s first lunar orbiter. Developed by the Institute of Space Technology, this small satellite reached the Moon as part of China’s Chang’e-6 mission, making Pakistan the sixth nation to send a spacecraft into lunar orbit. These dual accomplishments – a cutting-edge communications satellite and a lunar probe in one month – demonstrate how Pakistan is extending its space program beyond Earth’s orbit.

Furthermore, Pakistan is taking steps toward human spaceflight. In February 2025, Pakistan and China signed an agreement to train two Pakistani astronauts, who are expected to join a mission to China’s Tiangong space station in October 2026. This collaboration means Pakistan could soon have astronauts in orbit, advancing its space program into a new era.

Key Satellite Missions:

1. PakSat-1 (2002) – First geostationary communications satellite (leased Palapa-C1, providing TV and data).

2. PakSat-1R (2011) – Pakistani-owned geostationary communications satellite (Chinese-built, still active).
3. PakSat-MM1R (2024) – High-power geostationary communications satellite (PakSat series, Chinese-built, includes SBAS).
4. Badr-1 (1990) – Pakistan’s first satellite (52 kg technology-test platform, launched by China).
5. Badr-B (2001) – Second Pakistani satellite (68.5 kg Earth-observation/test satellite, launched by Russia).
6. PakTES-1A (2018) – Experimental Pakistani microsatellite (technology demonstration).
7. PRSS-1 (2018) – Optical Earth observation satellite (0.98 m resolution images).
8. EO-1/PRSC-EO1 (Jan 2025) – First fully Pakistani-built Earth observation satellite.
9. KS-1 (Jul 2025) – Communications satellite to expand the PakSat network.
10. HS-1 (Oct 2025) – Hyperspectral Earth observation satellite (captures hundreds of spectral bands).
11. iCube-Qamar (May 2024) – Pakistan’s first lunar orbiter (deployed on China’s Chang’e-6 mission).
12. PRSS-2 (Jul 2025) – Follow-on remote sensing satellite (joint China-Pakistan optical imaging mission).

SUPARCO and its partners have also launched smaller spacecraft. For example, the iCube-1 CubeSat (1U) was launched in 2013 as Pakistan’s first student-built nanosatellite. In January 2025, a 16U cubesat called PAUSAT-1 (from Air University) was carried by a SpaceX Falcon 9 into a trans-lunar injection. Each of these efforts builds engineering expertise in the country.

Applications of Satellite Imagery:

Pakistan’s satellites provide data for many civilian applications. For instance:

1. Precision Agriculture: Satellite data (including near-infrared bands) lets analysts assess crop health by “seeing beyond visible” light. A decline in vegetation index or unusual water stress detected by satellites can prompt farmers to adjust irrigation or fertilizer use. Analysts estimate that data from HS-1’s hyperspectral sensor could improve crop yield forecasts by 15–20%, directly benefiting Pakistan’s large farming sector.

2. Water Resources: In arid Pakistan, satellite images monitor river flows, reservoir levels and glaciers. For example, PRSS-1 images of the Indus River help manage dams, and track snowpack in the Himalayas. SUPARCO explicitly notes that remote sensing is vital for agriculture and water management in Pakistan. Satellite maps of the Indus Basin inform irrigation planning and flood warning for millions downstream.
3. Environmental Monitoring: Satellites watch Pakistan’s environment. They track deforestation in the north, glacial melting in Kashmir, and the spread of deserts. Gulf News highlights that HS-1 will help detect forest loss and glacier retreat. Satellites also measure urban air pollution or oil slicks in the Arabian Sea via thermal and multispectral imaging. For example, a sudden increase in sediment or temperature in a river visible from space can warn of upstream landslides or pollution.
4. Disaster Management: Timely satellite imagery aids in natural disasters. In floods, satellites map inundated areas; in earthquakes, they detect ground shifts. Pakistan has used satellite maps after the 2010 floods and the 2005 Kashmir quake to target relief. The government noted that HS-1 will bolster early warning for landslides and floods. After a crisis, rapid mapping from PRSS-1 or EO-1 guides rescue and rehabilitation.
5. Infrastructure & Planning: High-resolution satellite maps support infrastructure projects and urban planning. They help survey roads, pipelines and borders in rugged terrain. Planners use satellite basemaps for new cities and parks. Officials pointed out that HS-1 data will identify “geological risks” along highways (e.g. landslide-prone slopes). Modern telecom and energy companies also use satellite data to optimize coverage and grid expansion.

SUPARCO’s own materials stress these benefits: on its website SUPARCO explains that remote sensing is key to monitoring crops and water supplies. Pakistani institutions now routinely use space data, for example issuing seasonal vegetation and drought outlooks based on satellite surveys. In this way, Pakistan’s “beyond the screen” satellites are being translated into on-the-ground decisions for sustainable development.

International Collaboration and Policy:

No Pakistani satellite has yet been launched on a Pakistani rocket; all launches have relied on international partners. Early satellites flew from China and Russia. Recent missions were also launched from Chinese facilities. SUPARCO relies on China’s advanced launch vehicles and satellite expertise. In return, Chinese space agencies trained Pakistani engineers in satellite technology. For example, PRSS-1 and HS-1 were both built with Chinese collaboration, and Xinhua News emphasized that Pakistan “worked closely” with China on these projects. Pakistan’s space policy explicitly emphasizes such international partnership and technology transfer, framing projects like HS-1 as joint achievements that help Pakistan achieve its vision of technological self-reliance.

Pakistan is also active in global space forums. SUPARCO participates in the International Telecommunication Union (for satellite spectrum) and United Nations space programs (e.g. training and disaster data sharing). It co-founded the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO) with countries like Iran and Bangladesh. Pakistan’s adherence to UN space treaties underscores its commitment to peaceful uses.

However, most satellite goals are set domestically: the National Space Policy and Vision 2047 drive the agenda. Notably, in February 2025 Pakistan agreed with China to train two astronauts for a joint mission to China’s space station (Tiangong) in 2026, signaling Pakistan’s intention to enter human spaceflight. These collaborations, especially with China, are presented as part of Pakistan’s broader development strategy, including the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) where satellites help plan and monitor infrastructure projects.

Outlook and Future Prospects:

Pakistan’s new satellites mark a significant shift. As Gulf News observed, HS-1’s success puts Pakistan among “emerging global space leaders” committed to sustainable development. In Asia, countries like India and Iran have more extensive space programs, but Pakistan is narrowing the gap in earth observation. Analysts note that Pakistan now has satellites with similar or better capabilities than peers; for example, its 0.98 m imagery (PRSS-1) and hyperspectral data (HS-1) are competitive regionally.

Looking ahead, Pakistan plans to build on this momentum. Proposals include small satellite constellations for weather or communications, and long-term goals like a domestic launch vehicle. However, funding is limited: SUPARCO’s annual budget is modest (an order of tens of millions USD) compared to India’s space budget. That said, each successful mission builds local know-how. In practical terms, Pakistan’s satellite fleet has given it unprecedented “eyes in the sky.” The government now has direct access to its own satellite data, reducing dependence on foreign imagery.

In summary, Pakistan’s expanding satellite program allows the country to “see” its own land in new ways. These satellites now capture data far beyond what typical screens show for example, revealing hidden vegetation health or early flood onset. By combining optical and hyperspectral sensors, Pakistani authorities can monitor weather patterns, agricultural trends and natural resources continuously. In essence, the program provides a comprehensive, data-driven perspective that aligns with the nation’s Vision 2047 goals (like food security and climate resilience). Through SUPARCO and its international partnerships, Pakistan is building the infrastructure to integrate space data into national development. With each launch – from Badr-1 to HS-1 – Pakistan moves further beyond the screen, using its satellites as a powerful tool for planning and progress.

Figure: A satellite view of a hurricane over Earth, illustrating the global weather phenomena that remote-sensing satellites like HS-1 can monitor. Pakistan’s satellites now capture high-resolution images and spectral data far beyond what typical video or TV screens show. By combining optical and hyperspectral capabilities, these missions allow Pakistan to detect weather systems, land use changes and resource conditions in near real time. In essence, these satellites allow Pakistan to monitor its environment with unprecedented detail and to plan for climate and development needs in line with its national Vision 2047.

External Links:

• https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/eyes-in-the-sky-pakistan-launches-new-satellite-to-transform-environment-1.500313220#:~:text=Dubai%3A%20The%20Pakistan%20Space%20and,JSLC
• https://www.ecns.cn/news/sci-tech/2025-10-19/detail-ihewchry5010085.shtml#:~:text=The%20Pakistani%20satellite%20was%20mainly,the%20Chinese%20Academy%20of%20Sciences
• https://dragonflyaerospace.com/remote-sensing-in-agriculture-what-are-some-applications/#:~:text=A%20critical%20role%20of%20remote,advancements%20in%20this%20technology%20enable
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SUPARCO#:~:text=%282025%E2%80%9326%29%20Websitesuparco%20
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paksat-1R#:~:text=In%20December%202001%2C%20the%20SUPARCO,American%20contractor%2C%20Hughes%20Global%20Services

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