China Launches Pakistan's Satellite into Space

On January 17, 2025, China successfully launched Pakistan’s first indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite, PRSC-EO1, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The satellite, designed to gather Earth observation data using advanced electro-optical sensors, was placed into orbit by a Long March-2D rocket at 12:07 pm Beijing Time.

Key Details of the PRSC-EO1 Satellite
Purpose: To enhance Pakistan’s ability to monitor and manage natural resources, respond to disasters, plan urban development, and support agricultural growth.
Technology: The satellite is equipped with cutting-edge electro-optical sensors for high-resolution Earth imaging.
Significance: This marks a major step forward in Pakistan’s space technology, emphasizing its dedication to using space for national development and sustainability.

Historical Context of China-Pakistan Space Cooperation

• 2018: China launched two satellites for Pakistan—PRSS-1, the country’s first optical remote sensing satellite, and PakTES-1A, a smaller observation satellite.
• 2024: China launched PakSat MM1, a multi-functional communication satellite to enhance Pakistan’s communication capabilities.
• 2024: China delivered data from the ICUBE-Q CubeSat, co-developed by Pakistan’s Institute of Space Technology and China’s Shanghai Jiao Tong University, marking a significant milestone in lunar exploration collaboration.
   

Implications for Regional Space Dynamics
This launch highlights the deepening space collaboration between China and Pakistan, showcasing China’s support for Pakistan’s space ambitions. The successful deployment of PRSC-EO1 is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s technological capacity and advance its strategic goals in space exploration.