Pakistan’s First Indigenous Electro-Optical Satellite to Launch on January 17

Islamabad:Pakistan’s National Space Agency, SUPARCO, has announced that the country’s first indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite will be launched on January 17. The satellite’s primary objective is to enhance the monitoring of natural disasters and improve the management of natural resources.

According to Pakistan’s official news agency, the EO-1 satellite will be launched from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on January 17.

This satellite marks a significant achievement for SUPARCO and reflects Pakistan’s growing capabilities in space science and technology. It is expected that the EO-1 satellite will play a crucial role in assisting Pakistan’s efforts in exploring natural resources, managing natural disasters, and supporting sustainable development initiatives. The satellite will aid in monitoring agricultural production, forecasting yields, assessing irrigation needs, and implementing food security measures.

In addition to these functions, the EO-1 satellite will contribute to urban development by monitoring infrastructure growth and managing urban sprawl. It will also play an essential role in environmental monitoring and disaster management, providing up-to-date information on events such as floods, landslides, and earthquakes.

The satellite will further help in the extraction and conservation of natural resources by monitoring the mining, oil, and gas sectors, as well as tracking the melting of glaciers and water resources.

The launch of EO-1 marks a milestone in Pakistan’s space research efforts. The country has made significant advancements in space exploration in recent months. In November 2024, SUPARCO announced that its rover would join China’s Chang’e 8 mission to explore the Moon’s surface in 2028.

Earlier, in May 2024, Pakistan launched its first satellite to the Moon with China’s Chang’e 6 probe, tasked with landing on the far side of the Moon. China is the first country to attempt such a mission.

In May of the previous year, Pakistan also launched the PakSat-MM1 multi-mission communication satellite to enhance internet and communication infrastructure. This satellite was jointly developed by SUPARCO and China Great Wall Industry Corporation.