Pakistan to launch advanced hyperspectral satellite in October

(Web Desk): Pakistan is once again moving toward a major advancement in the field of space exploration. SUPARCO (Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission) is set to launch a state-of-the-art hyperspectral satellite next month. This satellite will open new avenues for research in areas such as underground mineral exploration, agriculture, forestry, wildlife, floods, glacier melting, air pollution, and smog.

Speaking at the opening session of a five-day training workshop organized by ISNET (Inter-Islamic Network on Space Sciences and Technology) in Lahore, SUPARCO Chairman Muhammad Yousaf Khan said that Pakistan is not only playing a leading role among the member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) but is also making significant progress in satellite imaging and space sciences.

The workshop is being attended by representatives from Iraq, Senegal, Libya, Türkiye, and Tunisia and will continue from September 22 to 26. Its aim is to train participants in web GIS development using open-source technologies to create practical applications by integrating satellite data across various fields.

According to Muhammad Yousaf Khan, the hyperspectral satellite launching in October will analyze different wavelengths of light reflected from the Earth’s surface to gather detailed information about minerals, vegetation, soil, and water quality. Surveys that once took years and cost millions can now be completed in a matter of days at significantly lower costs.

This satellite will make Pakistan more self-reliant in mineral mapping and pave the way for better utilization of natural resources.

Dr. Muhammad Mansha, head of the Web Applications Development department at SUPARCO, emphasized the importance of training in web GIS through modern open-source technologies. He noted that such training will enable experts to integrate domain-specific data with satellite imagery to build applications beneficial for agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster management.

Dr. Mansha also stated that this technology will empower researchers and policymakers to make more accurate and timely decisions.

Hyperspectral imagery stands out for providing far more detailed data than conventional satellite imagery, capturing hundreds of spectral bands per pixel. Globally, this technology is already being used for environmental monitoring, plant species identification, and pollution control.

Pakistan already utilizes remote sensing satellites for agriculture and disaster monitoring, but the new hyperspectral satellite will greatly enhance these capabilities.

According to foreign participants, the workshop in Lahore is not only helping improve technical skills but also fostering collaboration and innovation. SUPARCO officials believe this initiative will further strengthen Pakistan's position in modern space technologies and make it a regional model for other countries.