Islamabad: Pakistan has taken a giant leap in space technology with the successful launch of its first hyper-spectral satellite, HS-1, in collaboration with China. SUPARCO (Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission) confirmed the successful mission, highlighting it as a major advancement in Pakistan’s space exploration efforts. The HS-1 satellite is designed to conduct detailed analysis of Earth’s surface, including vegetation, water bodies, and urban landscapes.
The standout feature of HS-1 is its ability to capture high-precision images across numerous light spectrums. This capability is expected to revolutionize agricultural planning, environmental monitoring, and the identification of natural hazards. SUPARCO’s Chairman, Muhammad Yusuf Khan, congratulated the nation on this achievement, stating that it reflects Pakistan’s growing self-sufficiency in space technology, thanks to the strong backing of the government.
According to SUPARCO, the HS-1 satellite will play a critical role in monitoring agricultural crops, soil health, and water quality. Additionally, it will aid in tracking deforestation, pollution, and glacial melt. It will also be instrumental in assessing geographical risks associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, contributing significantly to the country’s socio-economic development.
This marks Pakistan’s third satellite launch this year. SUPARCO confirmed that the HS-1 satellite has successfully reached its designated orbit, though full activation and testing will take about two months.
