Islamabad: Pakistan has launched its first indigenous Electro-Optical satellite, EO-1, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China. This significant achievement marks a key milestone in the country’s space endeavors, offering potential advancements in agriculture, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.

According to a statement by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif described the launch as a proud moment for the nation. In a message on the social media platform X, he highlighted the satellite’s potential to enhance capabilities in various sectors, including predicting crop yields and tracking urban growth.

The Prime Minister lauded the efforts of the scientists and engineers involved, noting that the project was spearheaded by SUPARCO, Pakistan’s national space agency. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) also recognized the launch as a pivotal step in Pakistan’s space journey, emphasizing the satellite’s substantial benefits.

The EO-1 satellite is designed to improve precision farming by monitoring crops, assessing irrigation needs, and predicting yields. It is expected to enhance food security initiatives in the agriculture sector. Additionally, the satellite aims to assist in urban development planning by tracking infrastructure growth and managing urban sprawl.

In terms of environmental monitoring and disaster management, the satellite will provide crucial updates on natural events such as floods, landslides, and earthquakes. It will also support the monitoring of natural resources, including minerals, oil, gas fields, glacier recession, and water resources.

This accomplishment aims to place Pakistan’s space technology capabilities at the forefront of national progress, aligning with the objectives of the National Space Policy.