SUPARCO tests Pak-SBAS navigation system at Cholistan Rally, shows high-precision tracking

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday unveiled a new high-precision navigation system, Pak-SBAS, during the 2026 Cholistan Desert Rally, marking a significant step forward in the country’s satellite-based positioning capabilities, according to a statement issued by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).

The system is based on Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) technology, which enhances the accuracy and reliability of signals received from global navigation satellite systems.

Officials described the demonstration as a major technological milestone, highlighting Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen indigenous capabilities in advanced navigation and geospatial applications.

Pak-SBAS was tested in the harsh terrain of the Cholistan Desert Rally, an environment characterised by shifting dunes, extreme temperatures, limited landmarks, and rapidly changing routes. Such conditions demand precise positioning and consistent signal performance, particularly for high-speed competitive driving.

According to SUPARCO, the system delivered strong results throughout the event, maintaining stable connectivity and providing accurate location data during all phases of the race. The agency said Pak-SBAS demonstrated high positioning accuracy, reliable route tracking, and robust signal integrity even under demanding desert conditions.

By applying SBAS correction signals, the system significantly reduces errors commonly associated with standard satellite navigation services. This improvement allows for more precise real-time positioning, which is essential not only for motorsport navigation but also for a wide range of civilian and strategic uses.

Officials noted that for rally drivers and support teams, accurate tracking is crucial for safety, route management, and performance monitoring. In desert racing, where conventional road references are absent, even minor positioning errors can lead to disorientation or delays. The successful trial therefore served as a practical validation of the system’s operational reliability.

Beyond motorsports, SUPARCO emphasised that Pak-SBAS has broad national applications.

In disaster management, the technology could enable precise tracking of rescue personnel, emergency vehicles, and affected zones, improving coordination during relief operations. Pakistan frequently faces floods, earthquakes, and other natural hazards, where accurate situational awareness can save lives and resources.

The system could also enhance efficiency in transportation by enabling real-time vehicle positioning, route optimisation, and fleet management. In aviation, SBAS-supported navigation can improve flight safety by providing more accurate approach guidance, particularly in regions where ground-based navigation infrastructure is limited.

Surveying and mapping is another sector expected to benefit. High-precision positioning allows engineers and planners to collect accurate geospatial data without relying on expensive traditional methods, potentially reducing project timelines and costs. This capability is especially valuable for infrastructure development, land management, and urban planning.

SUPARCO described Pak-SBAS as a step toward greater technological self-reliance, signalling Pakistan’s intent to expand domestic expertise in satellite navigation services rather than depending entirely on foreign systems.

The announcement comes shortly after another milestone in the country’s space programme. On February 12, Pakistan successfully launched its second domestically developed Earth observation satellite, PRSC-EO2, from China’s Yangjiang Seashore Launch Centre.

Also developed by SUPARCO, the EO-2 satellite is designed to strengthen Pakistan’s remote sensing capabilities by providing high-resolution imagery for applications such as environmental monitoring, natural resource assessment, urban development planning, and disaster risk management.

Officials say the combined progress in satellite observation and navigation technologies reflects a broader push to build an integrated national space infrastructure. Such systems can support economic development, improve public services, and enhance national resilience by enabling data-driven decision-making across multiple sectors.

While Pak-SBAS remains in a testing and development phase, its successful performance during a demanding real-world trial suggests that Pakistan is moving closer to deploying a domestically supported satellite augmentation service with both civilian and strategic benefits.

If fully implemented, the technology could place Pakistan among a relatively small group of countries operating advanced satellite-based augmentation systems, reinforcing its growing presence in space science and applied geospatial technologies.