Pakistan Launches First Hyperspectral Satellite from China

ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (Nazrana Times) Ali Imran Chattha 

Pakistan on Sunday successfully launched its first hyperspectral satellite, marking a new milestone in the country’s space exploration and Earth observation capabilities.
The HS-1 satellite, developed by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), was launched from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre aboard a Chinese rocket.
According to SUPARCO, the satellite is designed to capture high-resolution images across hundreds of spectral bands, allowing scientists to analyze crop health, soil moisture, water quality, and environmental changes with unprecedented precision.
Boost for Agriculture, Planning, and Disaster Response
Officials said the HS-1 mission would provide a major boost to agriculture, urban development, and disaster management, particularly in projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The satellite will undergo two months of in-orbit testing before entering full operational service. Once active, it will support national initiatives related to flood monitoring, landslide detection, and urban expansion management.
Expanding Sino-Pak Space Cooperation
The launch highlights the continued space cooperation between Pakistan and China, building on past missions such as the Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite-1 (PRSS-1) in 2018 and the PakSat-MM1 communication satellite launched in May 2024.
In a statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office described the launch as a “major milestone” in the nation’s space and technology program, emphasizing its potential for strengthening research, innovation, and sustainable development.
While there was no immediate comment from Chinese state media, the collaboration reflects the growing strategic and technological partnership between the two countries.