Copyright pakobserver
PAKISTAN has stepped into a new era of space technology with the launch of the HS-1 Hyperspectral Satellite. This undoubtedly marks a proud moment for us and is a significant advancement towards national development, climate protection and scientific self-sufficiency. This mission highlights the deep and robust space partnership between Pakistan and China in the peaceful exploration and utilization of space. The satellite was successfully launched on October 19, 2025, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China under collaboration with China, making it Pakistan’s first advanced Earth observation system. This launch has placed Pakistan among a select group of nations with access to hyperspectral imaging, heralding a new era of data-driven innovation and environmental monitoring. What is the HS-1 Hyperspectral Satellite? It is Pakistan’s first hyperspectral Earth observation satellite—a modern remote sensing satellite that uses hyperspectral emerging techniques to observe the Earth. Unlike traditional satellites like multispectral ones that capture images in just a few specific wavelengths of light such as red, green, blue and near-infrared, hyperspectral satellites collect data across hundreds or thousands of very narrow spectral bands in the electromagnetic spectrum. This is akin to obtaining a complete spectral fingerprint or chemical identification card for each pixel. These fine bands allow for the identification of unique chemical and physical properties of materials such as plants, soil, water and minerals, which is not possible with traditional satellites. It captures imagery across hundreds of narrow spectral bands, enabling detailed analysis of soil, vegetation, water and urban characteristics. Existing remote sensing satellites in Pakistan are used for agriculture and monitoring natural disasters, but the new hyperspectral satellite will greatly enhance these capabilities. Hyperspectral imaging began with aircraft and drones, with the first hyperspectral sensors installed on ground and airborne platforms. NASA’s “Avenion Engineering Field Spectrometer” was the first airborne hyperspectral sensor. The first hyperspectral sensor, named NASA’s EO-1, was sent into space in 2000 with an instrument called Hyperion. This demonstrated that hyperspectral technology could operate under varying conditions. Later, multiple countries such as the United States, Europe, China, Japan, India and Germany sent hyperspectral missions into space, which have been enhancing the capabilities of this technology. Due to its complexity and cost, hyperspectral technology is possessed by only a few countries, including the United States, the European Union, China, India, Japan, Germany and Italy. What are the key uses of hyperspectral satellite data? The data can be utilized in precision agriculture, disaster management, environmental monitoring, urban planning and infrastructure development, enabling data-driven decision-making across various sectors. Unlike traditional optical or multispectral satellites, hyperspectral satellites capture images in hundreds of narrow, contiguous spectral bands. This allows for the detection of subtle differences in surface materials and environmental conditions that traditional systems cannot capture. They offer unmatched spectral detail for monitoring plant health, water resources and land use; enhancing crop life, soil moisture and yield through spectral analytics; tracking deforestation, water quality, glacier melting and pollution patterns; and providing better data on land cover, urban sprawl and geological hazards. This year, Pakistan has launched its third satellite into space, which will undergo an experimental phase in its orbit. This testing may take two months, after which the satellite will become fully operational. There is no doubt that this launch is a significant advancement for improving Pakistan’s ecosystem. It upgrades Pakistan’s remote sensing capabilities from multispectral to hyperspectral imaging. Pakistan’s positioning among the few countries with operational hyperspectral Earth observation infrastructure is noteworthy. The true value of the satellite depends on how beneficial the HS-1 data proves to be for Pakistan’s private sector and educational institutions. While the China-Pakistan partnership is crucial, building a strong domestic ecosystem for space data analytics will enhance self-reliance. Pakistan has sent its first hyperspectral Earth observation satellite, further strengthening its space capabilities. It is equipped with advanced hyperspectral images that will collect data across hundreds of narrow bands in the spectrum of light reflected from the Earth’s surface. The spatial resolution of this satellite is expected to be 300 meters or better for each pixel, while its spectral resolution will feature a high number of bands. The HS-1 satellite will not only enable precise agriculture but also provide detailed information about crop health, soil moisture and irrigation patterns, leading to improvements of 15 to 20 percent in yield estimates and playing a significant role in food security. It will also serve as an “extremely important tool” for early warning and rapid response in flood management, landslides and disaster management. Particularly for the Karakoram Highway and regions in northern Pakistan, the satellite’s “advanced imaging capabilities” will assist in flood forecasting, monitoring landslides and analyzing geological hazards. According to SUPARCO, the advanced satellite is capable of obtaining accurate images in hundreds of optical bands, heralding a revolution in agricultural planning and environmental monitoring. Once operational, the HS-1 data will open new avenues for innovation, aid in identifying geological hazards and guide infrastructure development in vulnerable areas. It will provide essential data in agriculture, water resource management, environmental monitoring and mineral exploration, addressing food security, water scarcity and disaster management. Hyperspectral satellites represent revolutionary advancements in remote sensing, enabling understanding of the Earth’s material and chemical composition. The HS-1 will support sustainable infrastructure development, particularly in projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This mission reaffirms SUPARCO’s commitment to leveraging space technology for national development and stands as a key milestone in Pakistan’s space policy and Vision 2047. I pay tribute to Pakistani scientists and the technical team for this remarkable achievement in space technology. —The writer is Chairman, Tehrik Jawanan Pakistan. (abdullahhamidgul1@gmail.com)
