Pakistan achieves major milestone: successful launch of second indigenous earth observation Satellite EO-2

WEB DESK: Pakistan has achieved a significant milestone in its national space programme with the successful launch of its second fully indigenous Earth Observation Satellite, EO-2 (also referred to as PRSC-EO2 or Electro-Optical Satellite-2), from China’s Yangjiang Seashore Launch Centre (YSLC) on Thursday.

Developed, engineered, and integrated entirely within the country at the Satellite Research and Development Centre (SRDC) by the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), EO-2 follows the launch of Pakistan’s first indigenous satellite, EO-1, in January 2025 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre.

Advancing national development, environmental monitoring, and disaster management

Strengthening the nation’s Earth observation fleet, and building on recent successes such as the hyperspectral satellite HS-1, EO-2 is designed to provide high-resolution electro-optical imagery and critical data for a wide range of national applications, including development planning, natural resource management, environmental monitoring, urban and rural expansion tracking, disaster management, climate change analysis, and strategic decision-making across sectors.

The satellite enhances data availability for sustained national use, improving precision in agriculture, land mapping, urban planning, and emergency operations, while reducing reliance on foreign sources for vital geospatial intelligence. SUPARCO officials hailed EO-2 as a demonstration of Pakistan’s advancing indigenous capabilities in satellite design, integration, and payload development, highlighting the momentum of the country’s space programme under initiatives such as URAAN Pakistan Vision, which has seen multiple satellite deployments for broadband, disaster response, and climate planning.

The mission, facilitated through cooperation with Chinese launch services, reflects strong bilateral ties, although specific details on the launch vehicle were not immediately disclosed, with prior missions utilising reliable platforms such as the Long March series. This milestone coincides with Pakistan’s broader push for technological sovereignty, including recent statements by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on combating extremism and US officials affirming Pakistan’s role as a key regional partner in security and critical minerals.

Overall, Pakistan’s space endeavours continue to position the country as an emerging player in satellite technology, with EO-2 expected to deliver tangible benefits for economic growth, environmental protection, and national security.