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- PM Sharif praises all Pakistani scientists and engineers working on the project for their team effort
- The country’s military calls the development ‘a momentous milestone in Pakistan’s space journey’
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called it a “proud moment” for the nation as China launched Pakistan’s first indigenously developed Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite into space on Friday, aiming to monitor mineral resources and predict natural disasters.
The EO-1 satellite was launched from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, following work by Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) to advance the country’s technological capabilities in space science.
The satellite is expected to enhance Pakistan’s ability to manage natural resources, predict and respond to floods and other disasters, support food security and drive economic growth through informed decision-making and sustainable development.
“Soaring higher and higher! Proud moment for the nation as [Pakistan] proudly launches its first indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China,” Sharif said in a social post on X, formerly Twitter.
Pakistan's indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre (JSLC) in northern China on January 17, 2025. (PMO)
“From predicting crop yields to tracking urban growth, #EO1 is a leap forward in our journey towards progress,” he continued, praising SUPARCO and all the scientists and engineers involved in the project for their team effort.
According to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency, the satellite was launched at 12:07 p.m. Beijing time aboard a Long March-2D carrier rocket and successfully entered its planned orbit.
The Pakistani military also applauded the development, highlighting its wide-ranging applications across various sectors.
Officials gesture for a group photograph following the launch of Pakistan's indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre (JSLC) in northern China on January 17, 2025. (PMO)
“In agriculture, it will enable precision farming by monitoring crops, assessing irrigation needs, predicting yields, and supporting food security initiatives,” the military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement, calling the development a “momentous milestone in Pakistan’s space journey.”
“For urban development planning, the satellite will assist in tracking infrastructure growth and managing urban sprawl,” it added.
Among its other roles, the EO-1 will aid in the extraction and conservation of natural resources such as minerals, oil and gas. Additionally, it will help monitor glacier recession and water resources.
Pakistan has made significant progress in its space research program. Last year, SUPARCO announced its rover would join China’s Chang’E 8 mission to explore the moon’s surface in 2028.
“This achievement positions advanced space technology capabilities at the forefront of national progress,” ISPR added in the statement after the satellite launch, emphasizing its role in furthering Pakistan’s ambitions in space exploration.