China Launches Pakistan's PRSC-EO3 Earth Observation Satellite on Long March-6
China successfully launched Pakistan's PRSC-EO3 (Pakistan Remote Sensing Centre – Earth Observation 3) satellite using a Long March-6 carrier rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre. The satellite entered its planned orbit successfully. This launch deepens China-Pakistan space cooperation under their All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. The satellite will enhance Pakistan's earth observation and surveillance capabilities. India closely monitors such developments given security implications for border surveillance.
Key Facts & Details
7 points- 1China launches Pakistan's PRSC-EO3 earth observation satellite on Long March-6
- 2Satellite enhances Pakistan's earth observation and surveillance capabilities
- 3Part of China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership
Deep Dive
- +China has previously launched Pakistan's PAKSAT and other satellites
- +Long March is China's primary family of launch vehicles (Long March-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
- +SUPARCO is Pakistan's national space agency (Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission)
- +India's ISRO and Pakistan's SUPARCO are regional space rivals
Exam Focus
Likely MCQ: Pakistan's national space agency is? → Answer: SUPARCO (Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission)
Related Topics
Exam Relevance & Angle
Science & Tech / Security: China-Pakistan space cooperation and regional security.
Target Exams
Background & Context
China's Long March Rockets: China's primary launch vehicle family. Key variants:
- Long March-5: Heaviest; used for lunar/deep space missions
- Long March-6: Medium-lift; for LEO satellites
- Long March-7: Crewed missions (Tianzhou cargo)
- Long March-2F: Crew capsule launches (Shenzhou)
China-Pakistan Space Cooperation: Under their All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership (since 2015), China has:
- Launched multiple Pakistani satellites
- Built the Pakistan Space Centre in collaboration
- Assisted Pakistan in its space programme under CPEC framework
SUPARCO (Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission): Pakistan's space agency, established in 1961 — one of the oldest in Asia. HQ in Karachi.
India's ISRO vs Pakistan's SUPARCO: India has dramatically outpaced Pakistan in space technology — with Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter), and 100+ successful launches. SUPARCO relies heavily on Chinese assistance.
Related GK Concepts
Must KnowTest Yourself
1 / 3Pakistan's national space agency is?
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