China launches Pakistani satellite PRSC-EO3 into orbit

China successfully launched Pakistan’s remote sensing satellite PRSC-EO3 on Saturday from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi province, according to state media reports.

The satellite was sent into space aboard a Long March-6 rocket at 8:15 pm local time and successfully entered its planned orbit shortly after launch.

The mission marked the 640th flight of China’s Long March rocket series, a major part of the country’s growing space program.

PRSC-EO3 is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s Earth observation capabilities by helping monitor natural resources, environmental changes and disaster-prone areas.

Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) described the launch of the indigenous EO-3 satellite as an important step toward technological self-reliance.

Officials said the satellite will also support urban planning, food security, disaster response and environmental monitoring, while contributing to a broader Earth observation system aligned with national development goals.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said the satellite would play a key role in supporting future planning and national priorities.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated SUPARCO scientists and engineers for their efforts and thanked China for its continued support in advancing Pakistan’s space program.