ISLAMABAD – Pakistan on Monday launched the two indigenously-builtsatellites from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Centre to meet its imageryrequirements in land mapping and natural disaster management.
The Foreign Office confirmed that the satellites — Pakistan Remote SensingSatellite-1 (PRSS-1) and Pakistan Technology Evaluation Satellite-1A(PakTES-1A) — were launched through Long March-2C rocket, at 0857 hours(PST), from a satellite centre located in Northwest China.
Terming the launch a “great achievement” for the country, Foreign OfficeSpokesman, Dr Muhammad Faisal said the successful implementation of PRSS-1and PakTES-1A projects had further strengthened the space cooperation withChina for future collaboration.
The FO spokesman said the 1,200 kg PRSS-1 and the 285 kg PakTES-1Asatellites would operate at an altitude of 640 km and 610 km, respectively,and would also enable the country in agriculture classification andassessment, urban and rural planning and water resource management. He saidthe satellites would help Pakistan end its reliance on commercialsatellites for environmental monitoring particularly to address thechallenges of floods, drought and water shortage. The satellites will alsohelp assess the situation of forestation, rainfall and storage of rainwater.
The PakTES-1A, indigenously designed and developed by SUPARCO’s engineers,is equipped with an optical payload, Global Positioning System (GPS) andGeographical Information System (GIS). It has a design life of three years.
President Mamnoon Hussain and Caretaker Prime Miniter Justice (retd) Nasirul Mulk congratulated the nation on this historic event and appreciatedSUPARCO’s scientists and engineers for their technical excellence anduntiring efforts. The Prime Minister assured SUPARCO of complete supportfor further advancement in space technology, which he termed as vital forsocio-economic development and national security of Pakistan. He said thecountry’s scientists and engineers were the source of pride for the nation.- APP