Independent Report
ISLAMABAD, Oct 16, :
In a landmark step for Pakistan’s space program, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has announced the launch of the country’s first Hyperspectral Satellite (HS-1) from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on October 19. The mission represents a major milestone in Pakistan-China space cooperation and a technological leap toward advanced Earth observation.
Developed in collaboration with Chinese experts, HS-1 is designed to capture hundreds of spectral bands across visible and infrared wavelengths. This cutting-edge capability will enable Pakistan to monitor agricultural health, manage water resources, track environmental degradation, and study urban expansion with unprecedented accuracy.
According to SUPARCO, the satellite will help boost agricultural yield estimation by up to 20%, improve climate resilience, and strengthen disaster-preparedness systems through precise real-time monitoring of floods, droughts, and landslides.
> “The HS-1 mission represents a transformative leap in Pakistan’s space program and stands as a testament to the enduring strategic partnership with China,” SUPARCO said in an official statement.
The launch aligns with SUPARCO’s Vision 2047 and reflects China’s continued support for developing countries in advancing peaceful applications of space technology.
Officials noted that HS-1 will join Pakistan’s expanding remote-sensing fleet, which includes the Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS-1) launched in 2018 and two additional Earth observation satellites deployed earlier this year.
The mission underscores how China continues to play a vital role in enhancing Pakistan’s technological self-reliance and climate-monitoring capabilities, reinforcing both nations’ shared commitment to innovation, sustainable development, and the peaceful use of outer space.
