Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Pakistan Launches EO-3 Imaging Satellite From China, Expanding Earth-Observation Fleet

The launch underscores Pakistan’s dependence on Chinese rockets for access to orbit.

Overview

  • EO-3, launched Saturday from China’s Taiyuan site at 8:15 pm Beijing time on a Long March-6, entered its planned orbit.
  • Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the indigenous satellite carries a multi-geometry imaging module, an advanced energy storage system, and an AI processor for real-time analysis.
  • Officials say it will supply high-resolution data to support disaster response, city planning, crop monitoring, and environmental protection.
  • The spacecraft expands Pakistan’s Earth observation lineup after EO-1 in January 2025, HS-1 in October 2025, and EO-2 in February 2026, with plans signaled for further growth.
  • The mission, reported by Xinhua as the 640th Long March flight, highlights reliance on Chinese launch infrastructure even as SUPARCO develops more of its own satellite hardware.