Pakistan Expands Earth-Observation Satellite Network

Pakistan expanded its Earth-observation satellite network between January 2025 and June 2026 by launching six satellites, including PAUSAT-1, PRSC-EO1, PRSS-2, HS-1, PRSC-EO2 and PRSC-EO3. The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, or SUPARCO, is Pakistan’s national space agency and is linked to these launches.

Earth-Observation Satellites

Earth-observation satellites are spacecraft that collect data on land, water, atmosphere and built-up areas from orbit. They are used for mapping, environmental monitoring, agriculture, disaster management and urban planning. Pakistan’s recent satellites include platforms with imaging and monitoring functions for civilian and dual-use applications.

Launch Sites and Orbit Features

PRSC-EO3 was launched in April 2026 by a Long March-6 rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre in China. The satellite uses a unique orbit designed to increase revisit rates over South Asia, including northern India and Jammu and Kashmir. HS-1, Pakistan’s first hyperspectral satellite, was launched in October 2025 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwestern China.

Technical Features of the Satellites

The new satellites include hyperspectral imaging, AI-assisted image processing, multi-geometry imaging modules and advanced energy storage systems. Hyperspectral imaging records data across many narrow spectral bands, which is used in land classification, crop assessment and water analysis. Multi-geometry imaging supports image capture from different angles for improved accuracy.

China-Pakistan Cooperation in Space

Most of the satellites launched during this period were developed through China-Pakistan cooperation or were launched on Chinese rockets. China has provided launch services through the Long March series, which is used for orbital missions from Chinese spaceports such as Taiyuan and Jiuquan.

Important Facts for Exams

• SUPARCO stands for Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission.
• HS-1 is Pakistan’s first hyperspectral satellite.
• Long March-6 is a Chinese launch vehicle used for satellite missions.
• Earth-observation satellites are used in agriculture, disaster management and environmental monitoring.

Applications Claimed for the Network

Pakistan has stated that the satellites are intended for precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, urban planning, disaster management and resource monitoring. The network is also linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is a major bilateral infrastructure and connectivity project.