Pakistan Launches First Multi-Mission Satellite PAKSAT-MM1, Ushering in a New Era of Digital Connectivity
Muhammad Naeem:
Islamabad: Pakistan has officially launched its first multi-mission satellite, PAKSAT-MM1, after successfully completing testing, marking a groundbreaking achievement in the nation’s space and digital infrastructure development. The operationalization of the satellite signals a major leap forward in Pakistan’s technological landscape.
At the PAKSAT-MM1 Satellite Application Conference held on Wednesday, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, reiterated the government’s dedication to harnessing space technologies to drive national growth. “The success of PAKSAT-MM1 will revolutionize our communication infrastructure, benefiting all sectors of society,” Khawaja stated. She highlighted how the satellite will play a crucial role in improving internet access in remote areas, supporting the government’s vision of a digitally connected Pakistan. “Digitalization is key to socio-economic prosperity,” she added.
Khawaja further noted Pakistan’s progress in global digital rankings, celebrating the country’s rise by 14 points in the United Nations’ e-governance development index, positioning Pakistan within the high tier of digital governance in Asia.
SUPARCO Chairman Muhammad Yousuf Khan applauded the team behind PAKSAT-MM1, calling it a significant milestone for socio-economic development and a symbol of Pakistan’s growing stature in the international space industry. “PAKSAT-MM1 will bring critical services to underserved regions, such as DTH (direct-to-home), community internet, tele-education, and tele-medicine,” Khan explained, while also encouraging collaboration with local industries on future space initiatives.
PAKSAT-MM1 is expected to remain operational for over 15 years and provides a range of services, including broadband and VSAT connectivity. The satellite’s capabilities, which span the C, Ku, Ka, and L bands, showcase Pakistan’s advancements in space technology, contributing to its goal of becoming a digitally empowered nation.
The event was attended by key government officials, industry leaders, and technology experts, all celebrating the satellite’s potential to bridge the digital divide and foster national progress. PAKSAT-MM1 is poised to be a transformative force in connecting Pakistan’s remote areas and advancing digitalization across the country.
