Pakistan launches indigenous EO-3 satellite from China

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has successfully launched its indigenous electro-optical satellite, EO-3, from China’s Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre, the Foreign Office said on Saturday, describing the development as a significant step forward for the country’s space programme.

In a statement posted on X, the Foreign Office said the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) had carried out the launch, calling it another important milestone in Pakistan’s expanding space capabilities.

The statement said EO-3 is designed for an imaging mission and also carries experimental payloads intended to test next-generation space technologies. According to the Foreign Office, these include a multi-geometry imaging module aimed at improving imaging accuracy, an advanced energy storage system, and an onboard AI-powered data processing unit for real-time analysis and intelligent decision support.

The Foreign Office said the addition of EO-3 to Pakistan’s Earth Observation satellite fleet would significantly strengthen the country’s remote sensing capacity. The integrated system would improve data continuity, imaging reliability and analytical precision, supporting uses across different socio-economic sectors in Pakistan.

Launch details and official response

China’s Xinhua News reported that the satellite was launched at 8:15pm Beijing time aboard a Long March-6 carrier rocket and successfully entered its planned orbit.

According to the Foreign Office statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Suparco’s scientists and engineers on the achievement. The statement said he reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to advancing Pakistan’s space programme and expressed appreciation for China’s continued cooperation in the field.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also praised Suparco for what the statement described as its technical excellence and dedication. The Foreign Office said he termed the successful launch a reflection of Pakistan’s growing scientific capability and reiterated the government’s resolve to further strengthen the country’s presence in the space sector.

Beyond its core imaging mission, EO-3 carries advanced experimental payloads aimed at validating next-generation space technologies.

Recent satellite launches

The latest launch follows other recent developments in Pakistan’s national space programme. In February, Pakistan launched its second indigenous Earth Observation Satellite, EO-2, from China’s Yangjiang Seashore Launch Centre.

Earlier, in July 2025, Pakistan launched a remote sensing satellite from a launch centre in China. That satellite was intended to enhance the country’s capabilities in areas including agricultural monitoring and disaster management.

The Foreign Office’s latest statement indicates that EO-3 is expected to further expand Pakistan’s Earth observation infrastructure by improving the consistency and quality of satellite-based data and analysis.