Karachi: Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) successfully launched the country’s first fully indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite on Friday.
The satellite has been launched from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The launch ceremony was broadcast live from SUPARCO’s complex in Karachi, allowing Pakistanis to witness the satellite’s journey into space in real-time.
The EO-1 satellite will help Pakistan monitor environmental changes and track natural disasters. It will provide crucial insights into crop health, soil moisture, and weather patterns, which will aid in improving agricultural productivity.
In addition, the satellite will strengthen Pakistan’s defense capabilities and offer real-time surveillance.
Earlier this year, in May 2024, Pakistan’s first multi-mission satellite, PAKSAT MM1, was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China.
PAKSAT-MM1 is positioned 36,000 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. According to SUPARCO, the satellite has a lifespan of 15 years and is equipped with the latest communication technology.
“The satellite will not only revolutionize the communication system but will also provide the fastest internet service. The improvement in communication will boost e-commerce, economic activities, and e-governance,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, congratulating the nation on this achievement.