Pakistan’s second communication satellite, PAKSAT MM1, has been successfully launched into space through collaboration with China, marking a significant milestone in Islamabad’s space program.
Launched from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC), the satellite aims to revolutionize connectivity in Pakistan by providing internet access to remote areas, according to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco).
Expected to take approximately four days to reach orbit, PAKSAT MM1 is poised to establish an advanced communication network, meeting the burgeoning demands of the telecom sector. Its advanced features, including communication services in C, Ku, Ka Bands, and SBAS services in L Band, promise to enhance connectivity nationwide.
Suparco emphasized that PAKSAT MM1, leveraging cutting-edge communication technologies, will play a pivotal role in driving socio-economic development across the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended congratulations to the nation on the successful launch, expressing optimism about the satellite’s potential to provide high-speed internet access across Pakistan.
“I am particularly thrilled about the transformative impact of PAKSAT MM1 on internet connectivity throughout Pakistan,” remarked the Prime Minister in a statement, highlighting its potential to improve citizens’ lives and bolster economic activities, e-commerce, and e-governance.
Prior to PAKSAT MM1, Pakistan achieved another significant milestone with its historic lunar mission, ICUBE-Q, launched on May 3 aboard China’s Chang’E6 from Hainan, China.
The ICUBE-Qamar mission marked Pakistan’s maiden lunar exploration endeavor, developed jointly by the Institute of Space Technology (IST), Shanghai University SJTU, and Pakistan’s national space agency, SUPARCO.
Notably, ICUBE-Q successfully captured and transmitted its inaugural images from lunar orbit, offering a unique perspective of the moon’s surface and further cementing Pakistan’s presence in space exploration.
Read More: Pakistan to Launch Second Satellite PakSAT-MM1 Today
Today marks a significant milestone for Pakistan as the nation prepares to launch its second communication satellite, Paksat MM1, into space.
The satellite is scheduled to be launched from China’s Shichang Satellite Launch Center, signifying a major achievement in Pakistan’s technological progress and space exploration efforts.
Also Read: Pakistan to launch communication satellite PAKSAT MM1 with China’s help
The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) announced on Tuesday the launch of Pakistan’s Multi-Mission Communication Satellite PAKSAT MM1 in collaboration with China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC).
The launch is scheduled for May 30, 2024, from the XiChang Satellite Launch Centre (XSLC) in China. This project is part of the National Space Program 2047.
According to a statement released today, PAKSAT MM1 is a joint venture between Suparco and the Chinese aerospace industry, aimed at meeting the growing communication and connectivity needs of Pakistan.
“This satellite project signifies the technological cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and Pakistan,” the statement read.
The satellite, equipped with advanced communication technologies, will play a crucial role in the socio-economic development of the country, paving the way for Pakistan’s transition into a Digital Pakistan, Suparco stated.
The launch ceremony will be broadcast live for the media from Suparco’s establishments in Karachi and Islamabad.
It’s worth noting that Pakistan has launched at least six assets into space, including BADR-A, BADR-B, PAKSAT 1-R, PRSS-1, PakTes 1-A, and iCube Qamar.
Earlier this month, iCube-Qamar, Pakistan’s first satellite mission to the moon, sent back the first-ever images of the moon captured in lunar orbit after its successful launch into space.
This milestone development marks Qamar as the first Pakistani satellite to enter lunar orbit and complete its rotation in 12 hours. Scientists have hailed this achievement as a significant success overall.
