Pakistan’s second domestically developed Earth observation satellite, PRSC-EO2, was successfully launched on February 12 into its planned orbit by China’s Jielong-3 carrier rocket from the maritime area off Yangjiang, Guangdong Province. As the only foreign satellite among seven onboard, PRSC-EO2’s smooth deployment has drawn widespread attention in both China and Pakistan, highlighting the strength of the two nations’ all-weather friendship.
Developed independently by Pakistan’s SUPARCO, the satellite offers advanced high-resolution imaging capabilities to support natural resource management, environmental monitoring, disaster prevention, and national development planning. Experts say the launch not only strengthens Pakistan’s technological and research capabilities but also provides sustainable momentum for the country’s high-quality development initiatives.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the PRSC-EO2 launch as “another glorious milestone” in Pakistan’s space journey, emphasizing that it reflects the enduring China-Pakistan strategic partnership. Following agreements on astronaut selection and training, a Pakistani astronaut is poised to become the first foreign national aboard China’s space station, showcasing the expanding scope, sophistication, and technological depth of China-Pakistan cooperation in space exploration.
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