LAHORE – July 28, 2025:
In a major step toward strengthening its disaster preparedness and agricultural planning capabilities, Pakistan is set to launch a new remote sensing satellite on July 31 from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Centre, according to an official statement from the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco).
Developed by Suparco, the satellite is engineered to improve the country’s ability to detect and respond to natural disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, and landslides. It will also support precision agriculture, crop health monitoring, and urban development planning.
“This launch represents a vital leap forward in Pakistan’s space and scientific journey,” the agency said in a statement released Sunday. “The satellite will significantly enhance our capabilities in environmental monitoring and disaster response, helping improve food security and urban resilience.”
The upcoming launch reflects the deepening collaboration between Pakistan and China in space science and technology, a partnership that has steadily grown stronger in recent years.
Just this past May, Pakistan became the first foreign nation to take part in China’s space station training programme. Under this milestone arrangement with the China Manned Space Agency, two Pakistani astronauts began specialized training, and one of them is expected to take part in a future mission aboard the Tiangong Space Station as a scientific payload specialist.
Earlier this year, in January, Suparco successfully launched Pakistan’s first indigenous observation satellite from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre. That mission aimed to bolster Pakistan’s ability to manage its natural resources, better respond to climate-related disasters, and aid urban and agricultural planning efforts.
Looking further ahead, Suparco has also announced its participation in China’s Chang’e 8 lunar mission, scheduled for 2028. A Pakistani rover is expected to be part of that mission to the moon’s south pole — a milestone being hailed as a major breakthrough in the country’s space exploration ambitions.
Officials say these ongoing efforts underscore Pakistan’s strategic focus on harnessing space-based technologies to improve national infrastructure, resilience, and disaster response. As the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, the country is actively investing in tools and technologies that can help mitigate the risks and improve readiness.
