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In the technology-focused 21st century, space has emerged as a vital area for national security, economic growth, and technological advancement. As both large and small nations seek to exploit the opportunities of outer space, Pakistan has also been advancing in this domain, often without much recognition. The Zarb-e-Karrar exercise surprised Pakistan’s rival, India, and the global community regarding Pakistan’s capabilities in space, cyber operations, electronic warfare, and networking during multi-domain aerial combat on the early morning of May 7th. The conflict also highlighted the significance of space for ‘situational awareness.’ Pakistan’s aspirations to lead in the next phase of space exploration as a key component of national power, along with the India factor and its strategic collaboration with China, are driving its space program forward.

On 30 May 2024, Pakistan successfully deployed its Multi-Mission Communication Satellite (PakSat-MM1), representing a major milestone in the country’s space and communication advancements. This satellite, featuring advanced communication technologies, strengthened Pakistan’s position in geostationary orbit. It offers various satellite-based communication services throughout the nation. It plays a crucial role in Pakistan’s initiatives to develop a ‘space-based augmentation system’ aimed at enhancing the precision of its navigation systems and decreasing reliance on external navigation networks. Additionally, this satellite meets the needs of the Pakistan Air Force.

This year, Pakistan has introduced three satellites. In January, a satellite developed jointly by Pakistan’s Air University and the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) was launched into space using a SpaceX rocket. It is an advanced, high-resolution Earth observation CubeSat, also utilized for ISR. During the same month, Pakistan deployed its first satellite entirely developed domestically, the Electro-Optical Satellite EO-1. This satellite is also intended for ISR purposes. It is part of the broader ‘Kaukab constellation,’ which will ultimately include five satellites for Pakistan.

Subsequently, on July 31, Pakistan successfully deployed its fourth Remote Sensing Satellite, which was created in partnership with China, increasing the total number of operational satellites to seven. These two satellites were both launched into space using Chinese rockets. By the end of this year, it is anticipated that Pakistan will have between eight and ten active satellites. Pakistan has established substantial local expertise in satellite development, with the PAF contributing notably in this area.

In the coming year, a Pakistani astronaut—marking the first visitor from another nation—is anticipated to join the Chinese space station, Tiangong. A Pakistani rover will also be included in China’s Chang’e-8 lunar lander mission, which is set to head toward the moon’s south pole in 2028. As per the Minister of Planning and Development, SUPARCO is expected to conduct a lunar mission by 2035.

Pakistan’s trailblazing venture into space commenced more than six decades back with the launch of the Rahbar-I rocket. Nevertheless, following a promising beginning, the program encountered challenges due to several factors. After an extended break, the 2011 launch of PakSat-1R marked a revival of the space initiative through cooperation with China. The progress has continued since then. Thanks to its remote sensing, earth observation, and communication satellites, Pakistan has attained a significant level of self-reliance in high-resolution imaging and communications. These space assets also offer a broad spectrum of scientific data, including weather information.

Space technology inherently has dual-use applications. While satellites provide essential data for communication, navigation, climate observation, and agriculture, they are equally important in the military sector. Contemporary warfare, which combines space, cyber, and electronic warfare domains, has extended far beyond conventional battlefields. Conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and the May 2025 India-Pakistan clash illustrate this point. Air combat utilizing beyond-visual-range weapons, various types of missiles, rockets, CUAVs, and a range of loitering munitions rely heavily on satellite-based guidance systems. Unmanned combat systems are also susceptible to jamming, spoofing, and cyberattacks. A recent report from the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) suggests that ‘future conflicts could start in space or cyberspace before spreading to land-based areas.’

The Pakistan Air Force Space Command has been active since 2021. This marks a strategic move to incorporate this vital area alongside cyber and electronic warfare commands. Significantly, under the guidance of the PAF, NASTP, featuring its specialized space division, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and technology, has effectively bolstered the groundwork for creating an environment that encourages future innovators and pioneers to excel in the field of space.

In the years ahead, countries that excel in advanced and forward-looking technologies, particularly those that incorporate space capabilities into their national strength, will emerge as leaders among nations. Collaborating with China has accelerated Pakistan’s space program in a significant direction. Strengthening this core partnership with China, Pakistan needs to keep making firm moves to progressively enhance its self-reliance across all aspects of space technology. A major advancement in Pakistan’s space program seems to be approaching.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).