Pakistan uses China's soil to launch the country's first Hyperspectral Satellite HS-1 into space

Pakistan launched its first Hyperspectral Satellite HS-1 from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre (JSLC) on Sunday. The launch was telecast live from Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission’s (Suparco) Karachi complex, the Pakistani space agency said.

The agency maintained that the preparations for the launch were completed in the “presence of Pakistani scientists and engineers.” A Suparco spokesperson told Geo News that the hyperspectral satellite has successfully entered its orbit. The spokesperson maintained that 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 spokesperson added.

In the orbit, the HS-1 will conduct a detailed analysis of land, vegetation, water and urban areas. According to Suparco, the advanced satellite is capable of capturing precise images across hundreds of spectral bands and is expected to revolutionise agricultural planning and environmental monitoring.

The satellite is expected to assist in monitoring deforestation, pollution and glacier melting, and help identify geological risks in CPEC projects. Suparco maintained that the mission was a major milestone in Pakistan’s National Space Policy and Vision 2047.

The Pakistani Foreign Office also released a statement on the matter. It said that the launch of HS-1 from the Chinese Satellite Launch Centre is a major milestone and highlights long-standing Pakistan–China collaboration in the peaceful exploration of space.

The foreign office noted that the satellite would also contribute to the development initiatives, including CPEC, by identifying geo-hazard risks and supporting sustainable infrastructure development that is needed for the project.

It is pertinent to note that this is Pakistan’s third satellite launched into space this year. The earlier EO-1 and KS-1 missions were successfully launched and are fully operational in orbit. The Suparco spokesperson said that the mission “aligns 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.”