- Testing in orbit takes up to two months, says Suparco.
- HS-1 to become fully operational after testing is completed.
- This is the third satellite launched this year after EO-1 and KS-1.
KARACHI: Pakistan has launched its first hyperspectral satellite HS-1 from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSLC), with live scenes of the mission broadcast from the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission’s (Suparco) Karachi complex, the space agency said.
Preparations for the launch were completed in the presence of Pakistani scientists and engineers.
A spokesman for Suparco said the hyperspectral satellite has entered its orbit successfully. It may take up to two months to complete the satellite’s in-orbit testing; after two months, HS-1 will become fully operational, the spokesman added.
According to the spokesman, HS-1 will carry out detailed analyzes of land, vegetation, water and urban areas. Capable of capturing precise images across hundreds of spectral bands, the advanced satellite is expected to revolutionize agricultural planning and environmental monitoring.
It will help monitor deforestation, pollution and glacier melting and help identify geological risks in CPEC projects, the spokesperson said.
Suparco Chairman Muhammad Yousuf Khan extended his congratulations to the nation, the spokesman 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 confidence in space technology and HS-1 will position the country among emerging space leaders for sustainable development, the spokesman said.
The spokesman described the mission as an important milestone in Pakistan’s National Space Policy and Vision 2047.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FO) said the successful launch of HS-1 from the Chinese Satellite Launch Center is an important milestone and highlights the longstanding cooperation between Pakistan and China in the peaceful exploration of space.
The FO noted that the 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-hazard risks and supporting sustainable infrastructure development, the statement added.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary Ishaq Dar praised the scientists and technical teams from Pakistan and China working on HS-1 for their commitment, professional expertise and exemplary cooperation, MoFA said.
This is Pakistan’s third satellite launched into space this year, according to Suparco. The Suparco spokesman said the previous EO-1 and KS-1 missions were successfully launched and are fully operational in orbit.
Pakistan’s space programme, the spokesman said, is entering a new era of advanced technology and applications.
The agency framed the mission as a major leap in Pakistan’s space journey, ushering in advanced applications across agriculture, disaster management, urban planning and environmental monitoring.
In agriculture, HS-1’s hyperspectral imaging is intended to enable precision agriculture through high-resolution data and calibration. By providing detailed insights into crop health, soil moisture and irrigation patterns, HS-1 is expected to increase yield estimation by 15-20%, increasing 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 is aimed at supporting sustainable urban planning, efficient resource management and informed land use policies.
In environmental monitoring and disaster management, the satellite will support early warning and rapid response. Its imaging is intended to aid flood prediction, landslide detection and geohazard assessment – particularly along the Karakoram Highway and northern regions.
The data will also improve post-disaster assessments, transport network analysis and water resources modelling, 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 the national space-based infrastructure and data capability.
The mission is in line with the National Space Policy and Suparco’s Vision 2047, which seeks to position Pakistan among leading space nations and drive sustainable national development through science and innovation.
