ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has launched its second domestically developed Earth observation satellite, PRSC-EO2, marking a significant step in the country’s expanding space programme. The satellite was placed into sun-synchronous orbit early Thursday at 06:37 UTC aboard China’s Smart Dragon-3 rocket launched from a sea platform.

According to SUPARCO, the mission represents Pakistan’s first participation in a sea-based orbital launch and follows the earlier deployment of PRSC-EO1 in January 2025. The agency confirmed that the satellite was successfully inserted into orbit and is operating as planned.

PRSC-EO2 is designed to capture high-resolution Earth imagery to support agriculture monitoring, urban planning, disaster management and natural resource assessment. Officials said the satellite was fully developed in Pakistan, reflecting growth in indigenous engineering and technical capacity.

The launch was conducted in partnership with China, which provided the launch vehicle and sea-based platform. The Smart Dragon-3 rocket carried PRSC-EO2 alongside six other satellites into orbit.

Expanding Earth observation capabilities

Pakistan’s remote sensing programme has focused on strengthening national capabilities in environmental monitoring and infrastructure planning. Earth observation satellites provide real-time imaging data that can assist government agencies in tracking crop patterns, managing water resources and responding to natural disasters.

SUPARCO stated that the mission underscores continued cooperation between Pakistan and China in the space sector. The agency described the in-house development of the satellite as an important milestone toward technological self-reliance.

With PRSC-EO2 now operational, Pakistan aims to enhance its access to timely geospatial data for both civilian and developmental purposes.