On January 16, China successfully launched the first satellite of a remote sensing constellation for Pakistan aboard a Long March 2D rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

The PRSC-EO1 satellite is the first of three optical satellites to support Pakistan’s space capabilities, aiding in land mapping, agriculture, disaster monitoring, and more.

The mission also carried two Chinese satellites: DAO-1 and Blue Carbon-1.

This launch is part of China’s growing space collaboration with Pakistan, which also joined China’s moon base project in 2023, Space News has reported.

The launch marks China’s third orbital attempt in 2024, aiming for around 100 launches this year.

Written by B.C. Begley