Pakistan has launched it’s first hyperspectral satellite (HS-1) from a Chinese launch centre .
The Pakistani space agency said that, “Pakistan launched its first Hyperspectral Satellite HS-1 from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre (JSLC) on Sunday. The launch was telecast live from Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission’s (Suparco) Karachi complex”.
The agency maintained that the preparations for the launch were completed in the “presence of Pakistani scientists and engineers.” A Suparco spokesperson also said that the hyperspectral satellite has successfully entered its orbit. The spokesperson maintained that it may take up to two months to complete the satellite’s in-orbit testing. After two months, HS-1 will become fully operational, the spokesperson added.
According to details, SUPARCO announced the successful launch of HS-1, confirming that the satellite has now reached its orbit.
The Hyperspectral Satellite will conduct detailed analysis of the Earth, vegetation, water, and urban areas. The advanced satellite has the capability to capture detailed images across hundreds of spectral bands. It is expected to revolutionize agricultural planning and environmental monitoring in Pakistan.
SUPARCO chairman Muhammad Yousuf Khan said that the data from hyperspectral satellite is poised to revolutionize agriculture productivity, bolster climate resilience, and enable optimized management of country’s vital natural resources, he also stated that hyperspectral satellite will enable accurate monitoring of crops, soil, and water quality, and assist in tracking deforestation, pollution, and glacier melting.
“This satellite is a definitive, powerful leap in Pakistan’s space journey,” affirmed Project Director HS-1 Mushtaque Hussain Soomro, stressing that it secures the nation’s place as an emerging force in space technology for sustainable progress. He praised the mission team’s sheer brilliance and single-minded dedication in bringing this vision to fruition.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended his appreciation to the Pakistani engineers and scientists for successful launch, marking a historic milestone.
PM also stated that “We are grateful to our great and long-standing friend and strategic partner, China, for this exemplary collaboration.”
“The hearts of Pakistanis beat with the Chinese people and leadership,” he added.
“This progress will prove to be an important milestone in combating the harmful effects of climate change,” PM Shehbaz said. “The satellite will significantly increase national capabilities in areas such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, urban planning and disaster management.”
Separately, in a statement issued today, the foreign office (FO) termed the development a major milestone and called it “a pivotal step forward in Pakistan’s space programme.”
“Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar commended the scientists/technical teams from Pakistan and China working on HS-1 for their commitment, professional excellence and exemplary cooperation,” the statement said.
