ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday successfully launched its first-ever hyperspectral satellite, HS-1, developed by the Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), marking a historic milestone in the country’s space programme.
The state-of-the-art satellite is equipped to capture ultra-detailed images across hundreds of light bands, enabling Pakistan to monitor crops, soil health, water quality, deforestation, pollution, glacier melting, and natural hazards with unprecedented precision.
Congratulating the nation, SUPARCO Chairman Muhammad Yousaf Khan hailed the achievement as a “major breakthrough” and credited the Government of Pakistan’s support for realising the project. He said HS-1 would also play a critical role in safeguarding infrastructure corridors, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The launch underscores Pakistan-China cooperation in advanced space technologies and places Pakistan among a select group of nations with hyperspectral imaging capability. HS-1 is the third satellite launched this year, following EO-1 in January and KS-1 in July, both of which are fully operational.
SUPARCO said HS-1 is expected to settle into its designated orbit later today, with in-orbit testing to last two months before it becomes fully functional. Officials described the launch as the beginning of a “new era” in Pakistan’s space journey under the National Space Policy and Vision 2047.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also lauded the efforts of Pakistani scientists and engineers, calling the launch a proud moment for the nation.
