With China’s assistance, Pakistan launched its first indigenously developed Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite into space on Friday. The satellite aims to monitor mineral resources and predict natural disasters.
The satellite was launched from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center following works by Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission to advance the country’s technological capabilities in space science.
The satellite is expected to enhance the ability of Pakistan to manage natural resources, and predict and respond to floods and other disasters. It will also help support food security and drive economic growth through informed decision-making and sustainable development.
“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,” Sharif said in a social post on X, formerly Twitter.
“From predicting crop yields to tracking urban growth, #EO1 is a leap forward in our progress,” he continued, praising SUPARCO and all the scientists and engineers involved in the project for their team effort.
Read more: Gwadar International Airport to begin operations on January 20th
According to the China state-run Xinhua news agency, the satellite was launched at 12:07 PM Beijing time. Long March-2D carrier rocket successfully entered orbit.
Pakistan’s military media wing, ISPR, also appreciated the launch of the satellite. “In agriculture, it will enable precision farming by monitoring crops, assessing irrigation needs, predicting yields, and supporting food security initiatives,” the military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement, calling the development a “momentous milestone in Pakistan’s space journey.”
“For urban development planning, the satellite will assist in tracking infrastructure growth and managing urban sprawl,” it added.
“This achievement positions advanced space technology capabilities at the forefront of national progress,” ISPR added in the statement after the satellite launch. The satellite will aid in the extraction and conservation of natural resources. It will also monitor glaciar recession and water resources.