KARACHI
\nPakistan has launched its first Hyperspectral Satellite HS-1 from China\u2019s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre (JSLC), with live scenes of the mission broadcast from Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission\u2019s (Suparco) Karachi complex, the space agency said. Preparations for the launch were completed in the presence of Pakistani scientists and engineers.
\nA Suparco spokesperson said the hyperspectral satellite has successfully entered its orbit. It may take up to two months to complete the satellite\u2019s in-orbit testing; after two months, HS-1 will become fully operational, the spokesperson added.
\nAccording to the spokesperson, HS-1 will conduct detailed analysis of land, vegetation, water and urban areas. The advanced satellite is capable of capturing precise images across hundreds of spectral bands and is expected to revolutionise agricultural planning and environmental monitoring.
\nIt will assist in monitoring deforestation, pollution and glacier melting, and help identify geological risks in CPEC projects, the spokesperson said. Suparco Chairman Muhammad Yousuf Khan extended his felicitations to the nation, the spokesperson added, noting that the national project was made possible with the support of the Government of Pakistan.
\nThe mission marks a major step towards Pakistan\u2019s self-reliance in space technology, and HS- will place the country among emerging space leaders for sustainable development, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson described the mission as a major milestone in Pakistan\u2019s National Space Policy and Vision 2047.
\nIn a statement, the Foreign Office (FO) said the successful launch of HS-1 from the Chinese Satellite Launch Centre is a major milestone and highlights long-standing Pakistan\u2013China collaboration in the peaceful exploration of space.
\nThe FO noted that HS-1 carries advanced hyperspectral imaging capable of capturing data across hundreds of narrow spectral bands. It will also contribute to development initiatives, including CPEC, by identifying geo-hazard risks and supporting sustainable infrastructure development, the statement added.
\nDeputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar commended the scientists and technical teams from Pakistan and China working on HS-1 for their commitment, professional excellence and exemplary cooperation, MoFA said.
\nThis is Pakistan\u2019s third satellite launched into space this year, according to Suparco. The Suparco spokesperson said the earlier EO-1 and KS-1 missions were successfully launched and are fully operational in orbit. Pakistan\u2019s space programme, the spokesperson said, is entering a new era of advanced technology and applications.
\nThe agency framed the mission as a major leap in Pakistan\u2019s space journey, ushering in advanced applications across agriculture, disaster management, urban planning and environmental monitoring.
\nIn agriculture, HS-1\u2019s hyperspectral imaging is intended to enable precision farming through high-resolution data and calibration. By providing detailed insights into crop health, soil moisture and irrigation patterns, HS-1 is expected to enhance yield estimation by 15\u201320%, bolstering food security.
\nFor urban development, HS-1\u2019s sensors will help monitor environmental changes, map infrastructure and analyse urban growth trends. Its ability to capture the spectral signatures of man-made structures is aimed at supporting sustainable city planning, efficient resource management and informed land-use policies.
\nIn environmental monitoring and disaster management, the satellite will underpin early warning and rapid response. Its imaging is intended to assist flood prediction, landslide detection and geo-hazard assessment\u2014particularly along the Karakoram Highway and northern regions.
\nThe data will also improve post-disaster evaluations, transportation network analysis and water-resource modelling, offering timely insights into floods, earthquakes, deforestation and land degradation.
\nHS-1 will integrate with Pakistan\u2019s growing remote-sensing fleet, PRSS-1 (launched July 2018), EO-1 (January 2025) and KS-1 (July 2025), to strengthen national space-based infrastructure and data capabilities.
\nThe mission aligns with the National Space Policy and Suparco\u2019s Vision 2047, which seek to position Pakistan among leading space nations and drive sustainable national development through science and innovation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
KARACHI Pakistan has launched its first Hyperspectral Satellite HS-1 from China\u2019s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre (JSLC), with live scenes of the mission broadcast from Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission\u2019s (Suparco) Karachi complex, the space agency said. Preparations for the launch were completed in the presence of Pakistani scientists and engineers. A Suparco spokesperson said […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":509638,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-509614","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n