The first fully indigenous electro-optical satellite (EO-1) of Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) was successfully launched into space from China on Friday.
The satellite was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China, and the event was broadcast live from SUPARCO’s Karachi complex, allowing Pakistanis to watch the satellite’s journey into space.
The EO-1 satellite will play a key role in monitoring environmental changes, monitoring natural disasters and providing vital data on crop health, soil moisture and weather patterns, ultimately will help boost agricultural productivity.
The official launching ceremony of Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) Complex in Karachi took place today.
According to Zain Bukhari, an expert at SUPARCO, the EO-1 satellite is a historic achievement for Pakistan. “EO-1 is equipped with a high-resolution camera that will capture detailed images of the Earth and offer multiple applications.
It is the first satellite fully designed and manufactured locally by SUPARCO engineers, demonstrating the nation’s ability to achieve self-sufficiency in space technology,” Bukhari told Pakistan’s Associated Press earlier this week.
Bukhari further noted that the satellite has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its operational readiness.
He emphasized that the launch represents a proud moment for the entire nation.
The EO-1 satellite is expected to provide crucial data in various sectors. It could play a key role in disaster management, particularly in monitoring real-time data during floods and earthquakes, allowing authorities to assess damage more efficiently.
Additionally, the satellite’s capabilities will support precision agriculture, helping to monitor crops, assess irrigation needs, predict yields and contribute to food security initiatives.
Urban development and planning will also benefit from EO-1, with its ability to track infrastructure growth, manage urban expansion, and assist in urban and regional planning. Environmental monitoring is another key area where the satellite will provide valuable information, offering updates on flooding, landslides, deforestation and land erosion.
Additionally, the satellite will assist in the extraction and conservation of natural resources, including monitoring minerals, oil and gas deposits, glaciers and water resources.
This launch highlights Pakistan’s growing space capabilities and its efforts to expand its role in space technology, marking a significant step towards greater self-reliance in this field.
