Pakistan’s first ever space satellites Remote Sensing Satellite PRSS-1 and Pakistan’s indigenous Technology Evaluation Satellite PakTES-1A finally launched on14th August 2018.
Pakistan and China signed an agreement for the launch of a special-remote sensing satellite in 2016. The main objective of the agreement was to monitor the ongoing Pakistan-China economic corridor.
Pakistan’s first #Remote_Sensing #Satellite (#PRSS-1) and Pakistan’s indigenous Technology Evaluation Satellite (#PakTES_1A) were successfully launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, China! pic.twitter.com/Y2yv8yz3wO
— Ministry of PD&R (@PlanComPakistan) August 14, 2018
The first two satellites were launched from Jiuquan Satellite launch center in China on July 9th, 2018. However, these satellites became operational on the Independence Day of Pakistan, 14th August. This is considered as the gift for Pakistani nation.
Furthermore, it was revealed by the officials that the control of satellites was transferred from China to ground control stations in Pakistan.
This proud moment on 14th August 2018 marked the first official days for Pakistani satellites in space.
President Mamnoon Hussain and Caretaker Prime Minister Justice (Retd) Nasir ul Mulk appreciated and praised the efforts of Pakistani engineers at SUPARCO who were behind the successful satellite launch.
Caretaker Prime Minister said, “the recent feat by the space engineers will also enable the country in agriculture classification and assessment, urban and rural planning and water resource management.”
The 1,200 kg PRSS-1 and the 285 kg PakTES-1A #satellites would operate at an altitude of 640 km and 610 km, respectively, and would also enable the country in #agriculture classification and assessment, urban and rural #planning and #water resource management! pic.twitter.com/8eWPjTv1zf
— Ministry of PD&R (@PlanComPakistan) August 14, 2018
The officials revealed the details about the two satellites. PRSS-1, weighs 1,200 kg, and the PakTES-1A weighs 285 kg. Both became functional at an altitude of 640 km and 610 km respectively.
Ministry of PD & R stated that, “The PakTES-1A, indigenously designed and developed by SUPARCO’s engineers, is equipped with an optical payload, Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographical Information System (GIS).”
The Ministry further revealed that:
“#PakTES-1A is a 285 kg satellite equipped with an optical payload commensurate with national needs. It has a design life of three years and will operate at an altitude of 610 km.”
