Pakistan launches new communication satellite

ISLAMABAD: The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) announced on Thursday the successful launch of Pakistan’s Multi-Mission Communication Satellite, PakSat-MM1, from XiChang Satellite Launch Centre (XSLC), China.

The satellite has been jointly designed and developed by Suparco and China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC). It is a geostationary satellite, based on advanced communication technologies which will greatly enhance the satellite-based communication services of the country and fulfil the needs of commercial as well as government uses. The High Throughput System (HTS) technology on board PakSat-MM1 will substantially boost connectivity to the last mile and will reshape the future of satellite communication in Pakistan. This will be the key to connect the unconnected with the rest of the country.

PakSat-MM1 will ensure affordable bandwidth with higher reach within the country. Sectors such as e-commerce, tele-medicine, e-governance, Pak SBAS [Pakistan Space-Based Augmentation System] and many others will be able to grow and serve unlike never before. PakSat-MM1 will also have Pak-SBAS payload, which will provide the integrity based positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services, making Pakistan 11th country in the world that will launch its own SBAS beside the USA, Russia, China, Japan, Europe, India, South Korea, Australia, Nigeria and Algeria.

In his message, Suparco Chairman Muhammad Yusuf Khan expressed his gratitude for the unparalleled support of the Government of Pakistan and Peoples Republic of China. He appreciated the untiring efforts of team of engineers from both countries for successful completion of the project. He said Suparco was committed to the cause of socio-economic uplift of the country through advancement in space sciences.

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, along with a delegation, went to China to witness the PakSat-MM1 launch. He congratulated the Suparco chairman and all engineers concerned at the successful launch of the satellite.

Agencies adds: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Thursday said, “I am delighted to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire nation on the momentous occasion of the launch of Pakistan’s second communication satellite PakSat-MM1.” In a statement, he said the remarkable achievement marked a significant advancement in country’s space and communication capabilities and “I am immensely proud of our national accomplishment”.

He said: “I am particularly excited about the potential impact of PakSat-MM1 on internet connectivity across Pakistan.” He said with its state-of-the-art communication technology, “this satellite promises to revolutionise our digital landscape and provide the fastest internet facility throughout the country”. According to the statement, the positioning of PakSat-MM1 in a geostationary orbit 36,000 kilometres above Earth is an impressive feat that showcased nation’s scientific and technological prowess.

Separately, Acting President Yusuf Raza Gilani Thursday congratulated the nation on successful launch of second PakSat-MM1 communication satellite. “The satellite will provide improved communication links and services to the country,” he said in a statement. He also applauded the efforts of scientists and engineers involved in the project, saying that the achievement marked a significant milestone in Pakistan’s space programme. “This is our second space achievement that will continue in future as well,” he added.