Pakistan’s advanced communications satellite, PAKSAT MM1, was launched in partnership with China, making it Islamabad’s second satellite into orbit.
The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) said the satellite launched from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC) will help bring Pakistan into the digital age.
The satellite will take about four days to reach space – it will contribute to the creation of a complex communication network and help the ongoing needs of the telecommunications industry and meet the demand for high-speed Internet with advanced capabilities and smooth connectivity.
“This high-powered multi-role satellite will provide SBAS services in the C, Ku, Ka Bands and L Bands,” the agency said in a statement.
Based on advanced communication technology, PakSat-MM1 will play an important role in the socio-economic development of the country, said Suparco.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the launch of the satellite and hoped that it would provide the fastest internet facility across the country.
“I am very excited about Paksat MM1’s impact on internet connectivity in Pakistan,” the Prime Minister said in a statement.
The Prime Minister said Paksat MM1 will not only improve the lives of Pakistanis but also contribute to the development of economic activities, e-commerce and e-governance.
Prior to PAKSAT MM1, Pakistan’s historic lunar mission (ICUBE-Q) was launched on May 3 from Hainan, China, aboard China’s Chang’E6 spacecraft.
ICube-Qamar satellite marks Pakistan first lunar exploration mission, and an important milestone in country’s space efforts.
The iCube-Q satellite was designed and developed by the Institute of Space Technology (IST) in collaboration with SJTU, Shanghai University of China and SUPARCO, the National Space Agency of Pakistan.
The satellite successfully captured and transmitted the first images from lunar orbit, providing a unique view of the lunar surface.
