At 10:00 a.m. Beijing time on July 31, Pakistan launched its fourth Earth Observation Satellite, Pakistan’s Remote Sensing Satellite-1 (PRSS-1), in a landmark moment for the nation’s space program.
Developed in close collaboration with Chinese space agencies, the satellite was successfully placed into orbit aboard a Kuaizhou-1A (KZ-1A) carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan Province of China.
That rocket carried more than just metal and sensors. It carried Pakistan’s aspirations – a clear signal of the country’s growing capabilities in space science and its commitment to building a future rooted in data-driven development, national resilience, and technological innovation.
The launch marks a milestone not only for Pakistan’s growing ambitions in space science but also for the ever-deepening scientific partnership with China. The PRSS-1, developed jointly by SUPARCO, China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), and MICROSAT China, is equipped with high-resolution imaging systems capable of capturing data day and night, in all weather conditions.
The satellite will be used in urban planning, precision agriculture, disaster management, environmental protection, and food security, according to officials. Its capabilities will help track deforestation, glacier retreat, and climate change, while aiding in the management of water resources and agricultural land.
“This isn’t just a technological milestone, it is a moment that lifts our national spirit and elevates our friendship with China higher than the skies,” said Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, who attended the launch as chief guest.
“We are not merely launching a satellite; we are launching a vision that sees Pakistan rising as a leader in space science, powered by innovation, strengthened by partnerships, and driven by an unshakable belief in our destiny.”
He went on to outline a bold roadmap: sending a Pakistani astronaut into space next year, pursuing a lunar landing by 2035, and building a domestic space ecosystem that fuels economic and scientific growth. “From Badr-1 in 1990 to PakTES-1A in 2018, from PAKSAT-1R in 2011 to the recent Paksat-MM1 in 2024,” he said that each mission brings the country closer to its rightful place in the global space community.”
Chairman SUPARCO, Mohammad Yousaf Khan, described the broader mission in these words: “This launch lays the foundation for a robust and integrated Earth Observation System. The satellite will serve national priorities and contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s sustainable socio-economic development.”
The launch also hailed by the national leadership. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called it “a showcase of the soaring heights of Pakistan-China cooperation, extending beyond borders and into outer space.” He highlighted its practical uses, from CPEC development to transportation mapping and data acquisition in complex terrains.
President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated the scientists, calling the launch “a bright symbol of Pakistan’s growing space capabilities,” and thanked China for its steadfast support.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar lauded the dedication of the engineers and scientists on both sides, noting that the mission reflects the “unwavering commitment” and “strategic confidence” underpinning Pakistan–China ties.
More than just a satellite, PRSS-1 is a quiet revolution in Pakistan’s orbital future, a tool that strengthens resilience on the ground while extending vision far beyond Earth.
“Great nations don’t just dream of the stars, they build the rockets to reach them,” Ahsan Iqbal remarked. “With innovation as our compass, collaboration as our engine, and determination as our fuel, Pakistan and China will together touch the Moon, explore Mars, and unlock the limitless opportunities of the universe.”
Space – New Frontier for an Old Friendship
China and Pakistan share a deep, decades-long history of cooperation in aerospace. China has previously launched multiple Pakistani satellites, including Pakistan’s first lunar satellite, ICUBE-Q, carried into lunar orbit aboard the Chang’e-6 mission. The Chang’e-6 probe successfully returned to Earth with samples from the moon’s far side, specifically from the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin.
Pakistan and China recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which paves the way for Pakistan’s first indigenous lunar rover to be part of China’s Chang’e-8 mission, set for launch in 2028.
In February 2025, the two nations signed a groundbreaking agreement for astronaut training, making Pakistan the first foreign country to participate in China’s space station program.
As the PRSS-1 begins its mission circling the Earth, it also signals something greater: Pakistan and China’s shared belief that partnership, when grounded in trust and lifted by ambition, can truly reach the stars.
