Pakistan marked another milestone in its space programme on Thursday, February 12, 2026, as Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) successfully launched the country’s second locally developed remote-sensing satellite, PRSC-EO2, into orbit from China’s offshore launch facility near Yangjiang.The satellite was launched aboard China’s Smart Dragon-3 launch vehicle, with all mission parameters reported to be optimal.

SUPARCO officials confirmed that the satellite has been placed into its intended and stable orbit, marking a fully successful mission. The EO-2 satellite is expected to play a critical role in national planning and resource management. SUPARCO officials said the addition of EO-2 to Pakistan’s satellite fleet would enhance the continuity and accuracy of Earth observation data, supporting disaster assessment, environmental monitoring, and long-term strategic planning.

SUPARCO described the launch as a significant symbol of Pakistan’s growing space capabilities and increasing self-reliance in satellite design and development. The PRSC-EO2 satellite was designed and built locally by SUPARCO and is equipped with a high-resolution optical payload capable of collecting detailed remote-sensing data. According to official details, launch services were provided by the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) under a multi-launch agreement signed with SUPARCO in 2022.

The mission marked the first time China has launched a Pakistani satellite using a sea-based mobile launch platform, a move that officials said demonstrated both technical innovation and commercial efficiency. Beyond launch services, CGWIC also supplied key satellite systems, including propulsion components, and provided tracking, telemetry, and command support during the launch and early orbit phase.

The satellite’s data will be used across a wide range of sectors in Pakistan, including land mapping, agriculture assessment, urban and rural development, environmental protection, disaster monitoring, and natural resource management. Officials from both countries described the successful launch as a reflection of the long-standing and all-weather strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, further strengthening cooperation in advanced space technology.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)