Pakistan's 1st 'hyperspectral' satellite HS-1 launched: What is it?
What's the story
Pakistan has successfully launched its first-ever Hyperspectral Satellite, HS-1, from China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSLC). The event was live-streamed from the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission's (Suparco) Karachi complex. According to a Suparco spokesperson, the satellite has been placed in its designated orbit and will undergo in-orbit testing for up to two months before becoming fully operational.
Satellite functions
Satellite to assess land, vegetation, water, urban areas
The HS-1 satellite will carry out an extensive assessment of land, vegetation, water, and urban areas. Suparco has said that this state-of-the-art satellite can take accurate images in hundreds of spectral bands. The data collected by HS-1 is expected to transform agricultural planning and environmental monitoring in Pakistan.
Environmental impact
Will help monitor deforestation, pollution, glacier melting
The HS-1 satellite will help monitor deforestation, pollution, and glacier melting. It will also help identify geological risks in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. The mission is a major milestone in Pakistan's National Space Policy and Vision 2047, according to Suparco.
Diplomatic significance
Foreign Office issues statement on successful launch
The Pakistani Foreign Office has also issued a statement on the successful launch of HS-1. It described the event as a major milestone that underscores the long-standing collaboration between Pakistan and China in peaceful space exploration. The satellite will aid development initiatives such as CPEC by identifying geo-hazard risks and promoting sustainable infrastructure development for the project.