Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has successfully launched the country’s first entirely indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite, marking a major milestone in the nation’s space exploration efforts. The satellite was launched from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on Friday, as reported by ARY News.
The launch ceremony, broadcast live from SUPARCO’s facility in Karachi, allowed Pakistanis to witness this historic moment in real time. The EO-1 satellite is designed to monitor environmental changes, track natural disasters, and gather critical data on crop health, soil moisture, and weather patterns, all of which will aid agricultural productivity.
Beyond its environmental functions, the satellite is also expected to enhance Pakistan’s defense capabilities by providing real-time surveillance, strengthening national security.
Advancing Pakistan’s Space Ambitions The EO-1 launch follows the successful deployment of Pakistan’s first multi-mission satellite, PAKSAT MM1, in May 2024. Positioned 36,000 kilometers above Earth, the PAKSAT-MM1 was launched from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Center. Equipped with advanced communication technology, it has a 15-year lifespan and is set to transform Pakistan’s communication infrastructure. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the achievement, stating, “The satellite will not only revitalize the communication system but also provide the fastest internet, boosting e-commerce, economic activities, and e-governance.”
With these advancements, Pakistan is cementing its presence in space technology and exploration, opening up new avenues for scientific, economic, and defense advancements.
