Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has successfully launched the country’s first hyperspectral satellite, HS-1, from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, marking a major stride in its space and climate-monitoring program.
According to state-run Radio Pakistan, the HS-1 satellite will capture hundreds of spectral bands across visible and infrared wavelengths, enabling far more precise observation of soil, vegetation, water bodies, and urban structures than traditional imaging satellites.
Officials said the mission would revolutionize precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster management, while also strengthening Pakistan’s ability to respond to climate-related challenges.
SUPARCO stated that HS-1’s advanced sensors will provide detailed data on crop health, soil moisture, and irrigation patterns, potentially improving agricultural yields by 15–20% and enhancing food security. The technology will also help map infrastructure and track urban expansion, contributing to sustainable city planning and effective land-use management.
The launch aligns with SUPARCO’s Vision 2047 and the National Space Policy, which aim to place Pakistan among the region’s space technology leaders. HS-1 will join Pakistan’s growing remote-sensing fleet, including PRSS-1 (2018) and two Earth-observation satellites, EO-1 and KS-1, launched earlier this year.
Officials noted that integrating HS-1 into the national system will significantly strengthen Pakistan’s disaster assessment, water-resource modelling, and climate-change monitoring, while deepening space cooperation with China under long-term strategic collaboration frameworks.
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