On Friday, China achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching the Pakistani satellite PRSC-EO1 into space. The launch took place at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, utilizing a Long March-2D rocket. The satellite entered its designated orbit precisely at 12:07 p.m. Beijing Time.
The PRSC-EO1 satellite, is Pakistan’s first indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1). The satellite developed by SUPARCO (Pakistan’s Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission), is a state-of-the-art remote sensing satellite, claims Pakistan. It is equipped with a high-resolution optical payload designed to gather crucial data. This data will support various sectors in Pakistan, including land mapping, agricultural classification and assessment, urban and rural planning, environmental monitoring, natural disaster monitoring and management, surveying, and the protection of natural resources.
Military applications of satellites such as EO1:
Electro-Optical (EO) satellites, such as EO-1, have numerous military applications due to their capability to capture high-resolution imagery and data. They play a critical role in reconnaissance and surveillance, providing real-time or near-real-time imagery for monitoring battlefields, troop movements, and border areas. EO satellites are instrumental in targeting and precision strikes, assisting in the identification and confirmation of targets and conducting post-strike damage assessments. They also support intelligence gathering by collecting strategic and tactical information on foreign military installations and movements. Additionally, these satellites aid in navigation and mission planning by offering detailed terrain analysis and situational awareness, which are crucial for troop movements and operational planning. EO satellites contribute to early warning systems and threat detection, such as identifying missile launches and monitoring adversarial activities. They are also valuable in environmental and disaster monitoring, supporting military operations by assessing natural disasters and environmental threats to installations. Furthermore, EO satellites support communication by monitoring infrastructure and enhancing electronic warfare capabilities. Overall, EO satellites like EO-1 are essential for modern military operations, improving situational awareness, operational planning, and strategic decision-making.
In addition to PRSC-EO1, the mission also carried the Tianlu-1 and Blue Carbon-1 satellites. The launch marked the 556th flight of the Long March series of launch vehicles, highlighting the extensive experience and reliability of China’s space program.
This mission was particularly notable as it marked the first international launch mission for the Chang Zheng 2D rocket in five years, according to reports from China Central Television News and IT Home.
In May last year, Pakistan launched a multi-mission communication satellite, PakSat-MM1, to improve internet and communication infrastructure. It was jointly developed by Suparco and the China Great Wall Industry Corporation.
Suparco also joined a lunar exploration mission in November partnering with China’s Chang’e 8 mission, set to launch in 2028.