Pakistan celebrated a significant advancement in its national space programme on Thursday with the successful deployment of its second homegrown Earth Observation Satellite, EO-2, from China’s Yangjiang Seashore Launch Centre.
Developed by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), EO-2 is set to boost the country’s capabilities in high-resolution imaging and earth observation.
SUPARCO officials stated that the satellite will deliver vital data to support national development projects, natural resource management, environmental monitoring, and urban planning. Additionally, EO-2 will aid in governance, disaster response, climate analysis, and strategic decision-making by providing precise and timely satellite imagery.
The launch of EO-2 further strengthens Pakistan’s satellite fleet, ensuring better continuity, coverage, and accuracy in earth observation data, officials said. They described the mission as a landmark achievement, reflecting the country’s growing expertise and self-reliance in advanced satellite technology.
Earlier this month, Pakistan also made progress in its Human Spaceflight Programme. On February 7, the Astronauts Centre of China (ACC) officially shortlisted two Pakistani candidates for astronaut training, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
This development follows a cooperation agreement signed in February 2025 between SUPARCO and the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). Under the deal, the selected candidates will undergo astronaut training in China, with one eventually traveling to the Tiangong space station.
Last year, Pakistan successfully launched its first indigenous Electro-Optical Satellite (EO-1) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northern China, marking the start of a growing journey toward self-reliance in space technology.