China launches Pakistani satellite

Beijing/Islamabad, Jan 17: China successfully launched a Pakistani satellite into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on Friday.
The satellite, Pakistan’s first indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1), was launched at 12.07 pm (Beijing Time) by a Long March-2D carrier rocket and entered its planned orbit successfully, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
Named PRSC-EO1, the satellite uses electro-optical sensors to collect data and images of the Earth’s surface by detecting and measuring reflected sunlight or emitted radiation, according to Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).
“This remarkable milestone marks a giant leap forward in Pakistan’s journey toward self-reliance and technological excellence in space exploration,” SUPARCO said in a statement.
It added that the satellite will boost Pakistan’s ability to monitor and manage natural resources, respond to disasters and improve urban planning and agricultural development.
SUPARCO Chairman Muhammad Yousaf Khan acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the agency’s engineers, emphasising that the launch reflected “Pakistan’s commitment to leveraging space technology for national progress and sustainable development”. (PTI)