Pakistan advances space programme with EO-2 satellite deployment video

Pakistan has achieved a significant milestone in its national space programme with the successful launch of its second domestically developed Earth Observation Satellite, EO-2.

The satellite was sent into orbit on February 12 from China’s Yangjiang Seashore Launch Centre, according to Pakistani media.

The EO-2 satellite was developed by Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and is intended to substantially strengthen the country’s earth observation and high-resolution imaging capabilities.

According to SUPARCO officials, EO-2 will generate vital data to support national development initiatives, including planning, natural resource management, environmental monitoring and urban expansion. The satellite is also expected to enhance governance, disaster response, climate analysis and strategic decision-making by providing accurate and timely satellite imagery.

With EO-2 now operational, Pakistan has expanded its satellite fleet, improving the continuity, coverage and precision of its earth observation data, the agency said.

SUPARCO described the launch as a landmark moment in Pakistan’s space programme, emphasizing that the successful indigenous development of EO-2 demonstrates the country’s advancing technical expertise and growing self-reliance in sophisticated satellite technology.

The achievement follows other recent progress in Pakistan’s space ambitions. On February 7, two Pakistani candidates were officially shortlisted by the Astronauts Centre of China (ACC) as part of the country’s Human Spaceflight Programme, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

That step came after a cooperation agreement was signed in February 2025 between SUPARCO and the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). Under the agreement, two Pakistanis will undergo astronaut training in China, with one eventually selected to travel to the Tiangong space station.

Last year, Pakistan launched its first indigenous Electro-Optical satellite, EO-1, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northern China.