Pakistan is set to launch its first hyperspectral satellite (HS-1) on October 19 from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) announced on Wednesday.
Marking a major breakthrough in the country’s space journey, the HS-1 mission is expected to usher Pakistan into a new era of advanced space applications in agriculture, disaster management, urban planning and environmental monitoring.
In the agricultural sector, the satellite’s hyperspectral imaging capabilities will enable precision agriculture through high-resolution data acquisition and calibration.
By providing detailed information on crop health, soil moisture and irrigation patterns, HS-1 is expected to improve yield estimation by 15 to 20 percent, thereby significantly contributing to the country’s food security.
For urban development, HS-1’s cutting-edge sensors will help monitor environmental changes, map infrastructure, and analyze urban growth trends.
Its ability to capture the spectral signatures of man-made structures will support sustainable urban planning, effective resource management and informed land use policies.
In the areas of environmental monitoring and disaster management, the satellite will play a central role in early warning and rapid response mechanisms.
Its advanced imaging systems will help in flood forecasting, landslide detection and geohazard assessment, particularly on the Karakoram Highway and northern regions.
The data will also improve post-disaster assessments, transportation network analysis and water resources modeling, providing timely insights into floods, earthquakes, deforestation and land degradation.
The integration of HS-1 into Pakistan’s growing remote sensing fleet, comprising PRSS-1 (launched July 2018), EO-1 (January 2025) and KS-1 (July 2025), will significantly strengthen the country’s space infrastructure and data capabilities.
The mission aligns with Suparco’s National Space Policy and Vision 2047, which aims to position Pakistan among leading countries in space technology and innovation, driving sustainable national development through science and innovation.
