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Monday, May 27, 2024

Pakistan’s Epic Satellite Launch

Following the successful launch of iCube-Qamar, Pakistan is preparing to send the multi-mission communication satellite PakSAT-MM-1 into orbit on May 30, in partnership with China.

A spokesperson from the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) announced that PakSAT-MM-1 will be launched from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Centre. This satellite is a collaborative project between SUPARCO and the Chinese Aerospace Industry, aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s communication and connectivity infrastructure.

This new venture underscores Pakistan’s growing capabilities in space technology and its collaborative efforts with China. The iCube-Qamar mission marked Pakistan’s first foray into lunar exploration, a significant milestone for its space endeavors. Developed by the Institute of Space Technology (IST) in Islamabad, in collaboration with China’s Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), the 7 kg satellite successfully entered lunar orbit, capturing and transmitting its initial images of the moon’s surface​​.

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Building on this achievement, PakSAT-MM-1 is set to be launched from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Centre. According to a SUPARCO spokesperson, this satellite, developed with the Chinese aerospace industry, aims to enhance Pakistan’s communication infrastructure. It is expected to play a pivotal role in the country’s transformation into a Digital Pakistan, addressing the increasing demand for high-speed internet and seamless connectivity across the nation. The satellite’s advanced capabilities are anticipated to significantly boost the socio-economic development of Pakistan by providing a sophisticated communication network to meet the growing needs of the telecom sector​​.

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This upcoming launch highlights Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to advancing its space capabilities and establishing a robust communication network. The success of these missions not only demonstrates the technical prowess of Pakistani scientists and engineers but also the effective international collaboration driving the country’s space program forward​​.