Pakistan has marked a major achievement in its national space programme with the successful launch of its second indigenous Earth Observation Satellite, EO-2, from China\u2019s Yangjiang Seashore Launch Centre on Thursday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Developed by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), the EO-2 satellite is designed to significantly enhance the country\u2019s earth observation and high-resolution imaging capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The officials of Suparco said the satellite will provide critical data to support national development planning, natural resource management, environmental monitoring, and urban expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It will also strengthen governance, disaster management, climate analysis, and strategic decision-making by delivering accurate and timely satellite imagery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the addition of EO-2, Pakistan has expanded its satellite fleet, ensuring improved continuity, coverage, and precision of earth observation data, added the space agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Suparco officials termed the launch a milestone in Pakistan\u2019s space journey, noting that the successful indigenous development of EO-2 reflects the country\u2019s growing technical expertise and self-reliance in advanced satellite technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Earlier on February 7, Pakistan marked a major step forward in its Human Spaceflight Programme as two candidates were officially shortlisted<\/a> by the Astronauts Centre of China (ACC), according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The development followed a cooperation agreement signed <\/a>in February 2025 between Suparco and the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Under the agreement, two Pakistanis will undergo astronaut training in China, with one ultimately selected to travel to the Tiangong space station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last year, Pakistan launched its first indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite <\/a>from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northern China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan had achieved \u201canother space milestone\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis success reflects our growing technological footprint and is yet another manifestation of the enduring Pakistan-China all-weather strategic cooperative partnership that is now transcending into space,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c Great job done by Suparco and our brilliant scientists. I look forward to more good news in the coming days with Pakistan-China cooperation in this vital area of national development,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar congratulated the nation on the \u201chistoric milestone\u201d, highlighting that it was Pakistan\u2019s fifth earth observation satellite and second indigenous electro-optical satellite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis achievement reflects Pakistan\u2019s steady progress in strengthening its national space capabilities and advancing technological self-reliance,\u201d he affirmed, noting that the satellite was launched in collaboration with China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI express my sincere gratitude to the Government of the People\u2019s Republic of China for its continued cooperation and steadfast support,\u201d Dar said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The foreign minister noted that the Pakistan\u2013China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership \u201ccontinues to scale new heights, including in space technology\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He also commended Suparco, Pakistani scientists, engineers and the entire team for their \u201ctireless efforts in expanding Pakistan\u2019s indigenous space infrastructure and developing reliable, domestically engineered space systems for national development\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\u2018Historic milestone\u2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n