Pakistan’s first Hyperspectral Satellite HS-1 lifts off from China
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Pakistan launches its first Hyperspectral Satellite HS-1 from China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, October 19, 2025. — Screengrab via Geo News
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KARACHI: Pakistan has launched its first hyperspectral satellite, HS-1, from China’s Geoquan Satellite Launch Center (JSLC), with live footage of the mission broadcast from the Space and Upper Space Research Commission (SUPARCO) complex in Karachi.
Preparations were completed in the presence of Pakistani scientists and engineers.
A Superco spokesperson said the satellite had successfully entered orbit. The spokesperson added that in-orbit testing may take two months, after which HS-1 will become fully operational.
According to the spokesperson, HS-1 will conduct detailed analysis of land, vegetation, water and urban areas. Advanced satellites are capable of capturing precise images in hundreds of spectral bands and are expected to revolutionize agricultural planning and environmental monitoring.
It will help monitor deforestation, pollution and glacier melting, and identify geological hazards in CPEC projects, the spokesperson said.
The spokesman added that Sopco Chairman Mohammad Yousuf Khan extended his eloquence to the nation, noting that the national project was made possible with the support of the Government of Pakistan.
The spokesman said the mission is a major step towards Pakistan’s self-reliance in space technology, and HS-1 will position the country for sustainable development among emerging space leaders.
The spokesperson termed this mission as an important milestone in Pakistan’s National Space Policy and Vision 2047.
The Ministry of External Affairs said that the successful launch of HS-1 from the Chinese Satellite Launch Center is an important milestone and highlights the longstanding Pakistan-China cooperation in peaceful exploration of the space.
Moffa noted that the HS-1 has advanced hyperspectral imaging capable of acquiring data in hundreds of narrow spectral bands.
It will also contribute to development initiatives, including CPEC, by identifying geohazard risks and supporting development of sustainable infrastructure, the statement added.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq praised the scientists and technical teams of Pakistan and China working on HS-1 for their commitment, professional excellence and exemplary cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs said.
According to Superco, this is Pakistan’s third satellite launched into space this year. The spokesperson said that the first EO-1 and KS-1 missions were successfully launched and fully operational in orbit.
The spokesperson said that Pakistan’s space program is entering a new era of advanced technology and applications.
The agency framed the mission as a major leap forward in Pakistan’s space exploration, launching cutting-edge applications in agriculture, disaster management, urban planning and environmental monitoring.
In agriculture, HS-1’s hyperspectral imaging aims to enable precision farming through high-resolution data and calibration. By providing detailed insights into crop health, soil moisture and irrigation patterns, HS-1 is expected to increase yield estimates by 15–20%, thereby strengthening food security.
For urban development, HS-1’s sensors will help monitor environmental changes, map infrastructure and analyze urban growth trends. Its ability to capture the spectral signatures of man-made structures aims to support sustainable city planning, efficient resource management and informed land use policies.
In environmental monitoring and disaster management, the satellite will indicate early warning and rapid response. Its imaging is intended to aid in flood forecasting, landslide detection and geohazard assessment—especially along the Karakoram Highway and northern areas.
The data will also improve post-disaster assessment, transportation network analysis and water resources modelling, offering timely insights into floods, earthquakes, deforestation and land degradation.
HS-1 will join Pakistan’s growing remote sensing fleet, PRSS-1 (July 2018), EO-1 (January 2025) and KS-1 (July 2025), to strengthen the national space-based infrastructure and data capabilities.
The mission is aligned with the National Space Policy and SOPARCO’s Vision 2047, which seeks to position Pakistan among leading space nations and drive sustainable national development through science and innovation.
