Sun Oct 19 10:16:08 UTC 2025: Summary:

Pakistan has successfully launched its first hyperspectral satellite, H1, into orbit from China. This satellite is expected to significantly enhance Pakistan’s capabilities in various fields, including agriculture, environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster management, thanks to its ability to detect subtle changes on the ground. The launch is hailed as a major milestone in Pakistan’s space program and a reflection of its strong partnership with China.

News Article:

Pakistan Launches First Hyperspectral Satellite, Boosting National Monitoring Capabilities

Islamabad, Pakistan – October 22, 2025 – Pakistan’s space agency, SUPARCO, announced the successful launch of its first-ever hyperspectral satellite, H1, into orbit on Sunday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwestern China. The launch marks a significant milestone for the nation’s space program, officials say.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lauded the mission, stating that the technology is expected to significantly boost national capacities in various sectors, including precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster management. Hyperspectral satellites possess advanced capabilities to detect subtle chemical and material changes that traditional satellites cannot, providing valuable data for tracking crop quality, managing water resources, and assessing damage from natural disasters.

“The data from the Hyperspectral Satellite is poised to revolutionize agricultural productivity, bolster climate resilience, and enable optimized management of the country’s vital natural resources,” said SUPARCO chairman Muhammad Yousuf Khan, according to Dawn newspaper.

Furthermore, the satellite’s ability to pinpoint geohazard risks is expected to contribute to key development initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The mission reflects a deepening strategic partnership between Pakistan and China in the peaceful exploration of space. This is the third satellite launched by Pakistan this year, following the earlier launches of EO-1 and KS-1, which are currently operational.

While the H1 satellite is in orbit, it is expected to take approximately two months to fully calibrate the system. The country anticipates H1 to be fully operational later this year.

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