BEIJING: China launched its Lijian-1 Y8 carrier rocket on Sunday, carrying three advanced satellites into space.
The rocket, which lifted off from the Commercial Aerospace Innovation Pilot Zone in northwest China at 11:33 a.m. Beijing Time, successfully deployed all satellites into their designated orbits.
Among the payloads was the Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite-2 (PRSS-2), developed in cooperation with Pakistan. This satellite is expected to significantly enhance Pakistan’s capabilities in remote sensing, with applications in agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. It will provide high-resolution imagery of Earth’s surface, offering critical data for planning and policy-making.
Also on board were AIRSAT-03 and AIRSAT-04, which are part of the AIRSAT series designed for space communications and Earth observation. These satellites are anticipated to improve data transmission and communication systems for both civilian and defense-related purposes.
The launch of the Lijian-1 Y8 marks another achievement for China’s rapidly growing space sector and reflects its increasing role in international space cooperation. The mission also highlights the deepening space partnership between China and Pakistan, aimed at fostering mutual technological development and enhancing regional space capabilities.
Lijian-1 Y8 rocket, developed by Chinese private aerospace enterprises, is emerging as a reliable platform for both commercial and international satellite launches. With a series of successful missions under its belt, it further cements China’s position as a key global player in space exploration and satellite deployment.
Pakistan has been steadily expanding its space capabilities with support from international partners, particularly China. The successful deployment of PRSS-2 is expected to provide Pakistan with vital tools for real-time monitoring of its territory, aiding in areas such as crop forecasting, water resource management, and natural disaster response.
