ISLAMABAD — Pakistan is set to launch its first Hyperspectral Satellite (HS-1) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre (JSLC) in China on October 19, according to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).
SUPARCO described the mission as a transformative milestone in Pakistan’s space programme, opening new frontiers in space-based applications for agriculture, disaster management, urban development, and environmental monitoring.
HS-1 will enable precision farming through high-resolution hyperspectral data, providing valuable insights into crop health, soil moisture, and irrigation patterns, potentially enhancing yield estimation by 15-20% and bolstering food security.
For urban development, the satellite’s advanced sensors will aid in monitoring environmental changes, mapping infrastructure, and assessing urban growth patterns. Its ability to capture spectral signatures of man-made structures will support sustainable city planning and resource management.
The satellite will also play a crucial role in environmental monitoring and disaster management, offering vital data for flood prediction, landslide tracking, and geo-hazard assessment, particularly in the Karakoram Highway region and northern Pakistan.
HS-1 will complement Pakistan’s expanding remote sensing fleet, which includes the PRSS-1 (launched in July 2018), EO-1 (January 2025), and KS-1 (July 2025), significantly enhancing the country’s space-based infrastructure.
The mission aligns with the National Space Policy and SUPARCO’s Vision 2047, aiming to position Pakistan at the forefront of space technology for sustainable national development.
