Pakistan is set to launch an advanced Earth observation satellite

(PRSS), on July 31, 2025, from China's Xichang Satellite Launch Centre, as announced by the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco).

The satellite will enhance Earth observation capabilities, supporting applications like precision agriculture, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster management.

It seems likely that this launch will strengthen Pakistan's space program, aligning with its National Space Policy and Vision 2047, potentially positioning it as a forward-looking, spacefaring nation.

 Launch Details

The launch is scheduled for July 31, 2025, at the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in China, organized by Suparco. This event marks a significant step in Pakistan's space technology pursuit, building on previous collaborations with China for satellite launches.

 Satellite Specifications and Applications

The PRSS satellite is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging systems, expected to offer improved resolution and data collection capabilities. It will support national applications such as monitoring crop health, urban development, environmental changes, and disaster prediction, including floods, earthquakes, and landslides. It will also aid infrastructure planning under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

 Impact and Future Prospects

Research suggests that this satellite will enhance Pakistan's ability to manage natural resources, improve disaster response, and contribute to socio-economic development. It integrates with existing satellites like PRSS-1 (2018) and EO-1 (January 2025), aligning with Vision 2047 to position Pakistan as a regional leader in space technology.

 Survey Note: Pakistan's Upcoming Satellite Launch and Its Implications

On July 31, 2025, Pakistan is poised to launch an advanced Earth observation satellite, named Pakistan's Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS), from China's Xichang Satellite Launch Centre. This event, organized by the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), represents a significant milestone in Pakistan's space technology journey. This survey note provides a detailed exploration of the launch, the satellite's specifications, its applications, and the broader implications for Pakistan's space program, drawing on extensive research from various sources.

Background and Context

Pakistan's foray into space began in the early 1960s with the establishment of Suparco, following the launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union. Over the decades, Pakistan has launched several satellites, often in collaboration with international partners, particularly China. Notable past launches include:

PakSat-1R (2011): A communication satellite launched with Chinese assistance, marking Pakistan's modern space era.

PRSS-1 (2018): Pakistan's first remote sensing satellite, providing high-resolution imagery for national applications.

PakTES-1A (2018): Another remote sensing satellite launched alongside PRSS-1.

PakSat-MM1 (2024): A communication satellite enhancing internet connectivity.

iCube Qamar (2022): A lunar orbiter capturing moon images, showcasing growing capabilities.

EO-1 (January 2025): Pakistan's first fully indigenous Earth observation satellite, launched from China, demonstrating technological self-reliance.

These launches have contributed to socio-economic development, scientific research, and national security, setting the stage for the upcoming PRSS launch.

Launch Details

The launch is scheduled for July 31, 2025, at the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in China, as confirmed by multiple sources including Geo.tv, APP, and Business Recorder. This event is part of a long-standing collaboration with China, which has provided technical assistance, launch services, and research opportunities. The launch is not just a technical milestone but a continuation of a transformative journey, as stated in official announcements, reignited by the 2011 launch of PakSat-1R.

 Satellite Specifications and Capabilities

The PRSS satellite is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging systems, designed to enhance Earth observation capabilities. While specific technical details are not fully disclosed, it is expected to offer improved resolution and more sophisticated sensors compared to previous models. The satellite will be placed in a sun-synchronous orbit, ensuring consistent lighting conditions for imaging, which is ideal for monitoring changes over time.

Earth observation satellites, as explained by sources like Wikipedia and JAXA, typically carry optical and microwave sensors to collect data across the electromagnetic spectrum, including visible light, infrared, and microwave bands. The PRSS is likely to include similar advanced sensors, enabling high-resolution imagery and all-weather data collection, crucial for its intended applications.

Applications and Impact

The PRSS satellite will support a wide range of national applications, significantly contributing to Pakistan's development. These include:

Precision Agriculture: The satellite will provide high-resolution images to monitor crop health, soil moisture, and vegetation indices, enabling farmers to optimize irrigation, fertilization, and pest control, leading to increased yields and sustainable farming practices.

Urban Planning: Detailed imagery will assist in mapping urban areas, identifying land use patterns, and planning infrastructure development, crucial for managing rapid urbanization sustainably.

Environmental Monitoring: It will track environmental changes such as deforestation, desertification, and glacier melt, vital for formulating policies to combat climate change and preserve natural resources.

Disaster Management: Real-time data will help predict and mitigate impacts of natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and landslides, enhancing early warning systems and potentially saving lives.

Infrastructure Planning and Geospatial Mapping: The satellite will aid in planning and monitoring large-scale projects like those under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), ensuring efficient execution with minimal environmental impact.

Resource Management: It will provide data on water bodies, mineral deposits, and forest cover, supporting informed decisions on resource allocation and conservation.

These applications align with the findings from sources like the EU Agency for the Space Programme and Airbus, which highlight the broad utility of Earth observation satellites in monitoring global environmental changes and supporting disaster management.

Integration with Existing Fleet

The new PRSS satellite will integrate with Pakistan's existing space fleet, including PRSS-1 (launched in 2018) and EO-1 (launched in January 2025). This integration, as noted by Suparco, will enhance overall capabilities, allowing for more comprehensive and frequent Earth observation. The combined data from these satellites will provide a richer dataset for analysis, supporting more accurate and timely decision-making, as per statements from Business Recorder and The Nation.

Alignment with National Policies

The launch aligns with Pakistan's National Space Policy and Vision 2047, which aims to position the country as a leading spacefaring nation. Vision 2047, as detailed on Wikipedia, outlines plans to launch five geostationary (GEO) satellites and six low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites by 2040, focusing on advancing satellite technology, promoting socio-economic development, and conducting scientific research. This launch is a practical step toward achieving these goals, reflecting Pakistan's ambition to emerge as a regional leader in space technology, as stated by Suparco in Arab News PK.

International Collaboration

The collaboration with China is central to this launch, underscoring the strong bilateral relationship in space technology. China has been a key partner, providing launch services and technical assistance, as seen in previous launches like EO-1 and PakSat-MM1. This partnership, as noted in SpaceNews and The Frontier Post, has been instrumental in helping Pakistan build its space capabilities and achieve self-reliance in certain areas.

Future Prospects

The successful launch of the PRSS satellite will be a testament to Pakistan's growing prowess in space technology. It is likely to pave the way for more advanced missions, including the development of indigenous launch vehicles and deeper space exploration. As Pakistan continues to invest in its space program, increased participation in international space initiatives is expected, fostering global partnerships and scientific exchange, as suggested by sources like The Express Tribune and Minute Mirror.

Conclusion

The launch of Pakistan's advanced Earth observation satellite on July 31, 2025, represents a significant milestone in the country's space journey. It enhances Pakistan's capabilities in Earth observation, contributing to national development across multiple sectors, including agriculture, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. By leveraging space technology, Pakistan is positioning itself as a forward-looking nation, ready to tackle 21st-century challenges with innovation and determination. As the world watches, Pakistan's space program continues to inspire, demonstrating the power of collaboration, perseverance, and vision in achieving greatness beyond our planet.