Pakistan successfully launched its first domestically-developed observation satellite on Friday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northern China, according to Pakistan's space agency. The PRSC-EO1 satellite aims to enhance Pakistan's abilities in monitoring and managing natural resources, disaster response, urban planning, and agricultural development, as stated by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).
This type of satellite is equipped with electro-optical sensors that gather data and images of the Earth's surface by detecting and measuring reflected sunlight or emitted radiation. Alongside the PRSC EO1, China's Long March-2D carrier rocket also placed two other satellites, Tianlu-1 and Blue Carbon 1, into orbit, as confirmed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted, "Spearheaded by SUPARCO, this launch exemplifies our nation's advancing capabilities in space science and technology." The earth observation satellite market, currently valued at $5 billion, is identified as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the commercial space industry, with projections from Novaspace forecasting its value to surpass $8 billion by 2033.
Various nations, including the United States, China, and India, are actively developing both government and private satellite constellations for Earth mapping purposes. Recently, an Indian startup launched India's inaugural privately assembled satellite constellation.