Pakistan set to launch indigenous EO-1 satellite

The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) announced on Monday that it will launch Pakistan’s first indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) Satellite on January 17.

The satellite will be launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre (JSLC) in China, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan's space exploration and technological progress.

In a statement, SUPARCO emphasized that the EO-1 mission demonstrates the commission's expertise and commitment to advancing Pakistan’s capabilities in space science and technology.

The EO-1 satellite is expected to enhance Pakistan's ability to monitor and manage natural resources, predict and respond to natural disasters, support food security, and drive economic growth through informed decision-making and sustainable development. SUPARCO described the satellite as a significant step in the country's journey toward space technology.

The satellite is set to offer substantial benefits across multiple sectors. In agriculture, it will aid in precision farming by monitoring crops, assessing irrigation needs, predicting yields, and supporting food security initiatives.

For urban development, the EO-1 satellite will assist in tracking infrastructure growth, managing urban sprawl, and contributing to city and regional planning.

In the field of environmental monitoring and disaster management, the satellite will provide timely updates on natural disasters such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, deforestation, and land erosion.

Additionally, the EO-1 satellite will play a vital role in supporting extraction and conservation strategies for natural resources, including the monitoring of minerals, oil and gas fields, glacier recession, and water resources.