KARACHI – August 1, 2025
In a major boost to its space and disaster management capabilities, Pakistan is all set to launch a new remote sensing satellite into orbit early Thursday morning. The launch is scheduled to take place between 6:30am and 7:15am (Pakistan Standard Time) from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Center, according to an official statement by SUPARCO — Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission.
The satellite is designed to assist in earth observation and will play a crucial role in monitoring a range of natural hazards including floods, landslides, earthquakes, glacier melt, and deforestation. SUPARCO officials say it will strengthen Pakistan’s ability to issue early warnings and deliver timely disaster response.
But the utility of the satellite extends well beyond emergency situations. It will contribute significantly to agricultural monitoring, urban development, infrastructure planning, and the mapping of transport networks. It is also expected to support strategic national projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) by helping identify geographical risks and optimize resource management.
“This launch is aligned with Pakistan’s National Space Policy and the broader Vision 2047 agenda, which aims to harness space science and technology to position the country among emerging tech-driven nations,” SUPARCO said in a press release.
Officials added that the satellite will also serve as an important tool in tracking environmental changes over time — a key factor in long-term national planning and sustainability efforts.
Meanwhile, in a parallel development, India’s space agency ISRO launched its own satellite, named “NISAR,” from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota on Wednesday evening. The Indian satellite is focused on studying ecosystems, climate change patterns, and various natural hazards.
Pakistan’s launch, however, marks a notable milestone in the country’s journey toward building a more robust, research-oriented satellite infrastructure. SUPARCO has emphasized that the satellite reflects the nation’s commitment to peaceful space exploration and technological self-reliance.
