- In-orbit testing is expected to take up to two months, Suparco says.
- HS-1 will become fully operational once testing is completed.
- This is the third satellite launched this year after EO-1 and KS-1.
KARACHI: Pakistan launched its first hyperspectral satellite HS-1 from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSLC), with live scenes of the mission broadcast from the Karachi Complex of the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), the space agency said.
Preparations for the launch were completed in the presence of Pakistani scientists and engineers.
A Suparco spokesperson said the hyperspectral satellite had successfully entered its orbit. Completing in-orbit tests of the satellite can take up to two months; after two months, HS-1 will become fully operational, the spokesperson added.
According to the spokesperson, HS-1 will conduct a detailed analysis of land, vegetation, water and urban areas. This advanced satellite is capable of capturing precise images across hundreds of spectral bands and is expected to revolutionize agricultural planning and environmental monitoring.
It will help monitor deforestation, pollution and melting glaciers, and help identify geological hazards in CPEC projects, the spokesperson said.
Suparco Chairman Muhammad Yousuf Khan extended his congratulations to the nation, the spokesperson added, noting that the national project was made possible with the support of the Government of Pakistan.
The mission marks a major step towards Pakistan’s self-reliance in space technology, and HS-1 will place the country among emerging space leaders in sustainable development, the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson described the mission as a major milestone in Pakistan’s national space policy and its Vision 2047.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FO) said the successful launch of HS-1 from the Chinese Satellite Launch Center was a major milestone and highlighted the long-standing collaboration between Pakistan and China in peaceful space exploration.
The FO noted that HS-1 carries advanced hyperspectral imaging capable of capturing data across hundreds of narrow spectral bands. It will also contribute to development initiatives, including CPEC, by identifying geo-hazards and supporting the development of sustainable infrastructure, the statement added.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar congratulated scientists and technical teams from Pakistan and China working on HS-1 for their commitment, professional excellence and exemplary cooperation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
This is the third Pakistani satellite launched into space this year, according to Suparco. The Suparco spokesperson said the previous missions EO-1 and KS-1 were successfully launched and were fully operational in orbit.
Pakistan’s space program, the spokesperson said, is entering a new era of advanced technologies and applications.
The agency touted the mission as a major breakthrough in Pakistan’s space journey, paving the way for advanced applications in agriculture, disaster management, urban planning and environmental monitoring.
In agriculture, HS-1’s hyperspectral imaging aims to enable precision agriculture through high-resolution data and calibration. By providing detailed information on crop health, soil moisture and irrigation patterns, HS-1 is expected to improve yield estimation by 15-20%, thereby strengthening food security.
For urban development, HS-1’s sensors will help monitor environmental changes, map infrastructure, and analyze urban growth trends. Its ability to capture the spectral signatures of man-made structures aims to support sustainable urban planning, effective resource management and informed land use policies.
In the field of environmental monitoring and disaster management, the satellite will contribute to early warning and rapid response. Its imagery is intended to aid flood forecasting, landslide detection and geohazard assessment, particularly along the Karakoram Highway and in the northern regions.
The data will also improve post-disaster assessments, transportation network analysis and water resources modeling, providing timely insights into floods, earthquakes, deforestation and land degradation.
HS-1 will integrate with Pakistan’s growing remote sensing fleet, PRSS-1 (launched July 2018), EO-1 (January 2025) and KS-1 (July 2025), to strengthen national infrastructure and spatial data capabilities.
The mission aligns with Suparco’s National Space Policy and Vision 2047, which aims to position Pakistan among the leading spacefaring nations and drive sustainable national development through science and innovation.
