Pakistan is set to launch its latest Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS) on July 31, 2025, from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Center, according to a statement from SUPARCO. Designed for Earth observation, the new satellite will support key national sectors including agriculture, environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster management. This development marks a continued effort under Pakistan’s National Space Policy and Vision 2047 to enhance the country’s space-based infrastructure and technological capabilities.
The upcoming satellite will be instrumental in improving the country’s ability to monitor and respond to natural events such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, and glacier melt. Its imaging and data capabilities are expected to contribute to early warning systems and national preparedness strategies. It will also be used for monitoring deforestation and supporting climate resilience initiatives. Additionally, the satellite will facilitate infrastructure development and geospatial planning for strategic projects, including those under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
This new launch will join Pakistan’s expanding fleet of satellites that includes PRSS-1, which was launched in 2018, and the Electro-Optical Satellite EO-1, which was launched in January 2025. EO-1 is Pakistan’s first fully indigenous satellite, developed entirely by local scientists and engineers, and focuses on data collection for agriculture, environmental assessment, and disaster response.
Pakistan’s journey in space technology gained momentum with the launch of the PakSat-1R communication satellite in 2011, developed in cooperation with China. In 2018, SUPARCO launched PakTES-1A and PRSS-1, laying the groundwork for future Earth observation capabilities. In 2024, the launch of PakSat-MM1 aimed to provide high-speed internet access to underserved and remote areas of the country, expanding digital inclusion. Another milestone came with the iCube Qamar satellite, which was developed by students at the Institute of Space Technology and successfully captured images of the moon’s surface.
SUPARCO emphasized that the upcoming PRSS mission represents a significant step in strengthening Pakistan’s space program. The satellite’s integration into national development frameworks will support the country’s goals of utilizing advanced space technologies for long-term sustainable growth, resource management, and strategic planning. This advancement is also expected to foster collaboration with international partners, particularly with China, which has played a key role in supporting Pakistan’s space missions.
With each mission, Pakistan continues to develop its technical expertise and infrastructure to operate satellites that serve a range of civil, environmental, and developmental needs. The PRSS launch highlights a growing commitment to space-based innovation and the strategic role it plays in addressing domestic challenges through science and technology.
