Pakistan achieved a major milestone for space exploration and development on July 31, 2025, by launching a Remote Sensing Satellite from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre (XSLC), China. “The satellite represents a cornerstone of an integrated Earth observation system”[1] developed by Pakistan’s Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). It further reaffirms Pakistan’s position among the community of space-faring nations that is increasingly leveraging space technology to pursue a more secure, sustainable, and prosperous future. Moreover, Pakistan is also set to send its first astronaut into space with Chinese cooperation. The cooperation would take place as a result of an agreement signed between SUPARCO and the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). This comes in the wake of renewed interest in advancing Pakistan’s peaceful space program. Pakistan is cognizant that today space capabilities are vital for socio-economic development and national security. Satellites play a vital role in a myriad of domains, including navigation, health, education, agriculture, disaster management, environmental protection, and industry. Pakistan is actively leveraging space technologies to advance many of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as promote socio-economic development. Pakistan launched its first National Space Policy in December 2023 in order to regulate and advance space activities.[2]
