Pakistan Launches its First Communication Satellite Paksat-1R

Finally Pakistan has launched its first communication satellite with the help of China.

Earlier it was expected that Pakistan will launch its satellite in second week of August, preferably on 14th of August but keeping in view the weather factors, the launch has taken place.

Paksat-1R is based on DFH-4 platform and will be positioned at 38.0 degrees East. Paksat-1R will replace Paksat-1 which was launched on January 31st, 1996. The DFH-4 (DongFangHong-4) platform is a large telecommunications satellite platform – a new generation of hardware based on high output power and communication capacity.

Paksat 1-R will provide range of services including broadband Internet, digital television broadcasting, remote and rural telephony, emergency communications, tele-education and tele-medicine and hosting of defense applications.

The satellite is equipped with three receiver antennas and two transmission antennas. It can support the transmission of 150-200 TV programs simultaneously to ground users using a 0.45m antenna device. The DFH-4 satellite also includes strong capabilities against hostile interference and jamming.

The satellite will be operated from SUPARCO (Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission) Satellite Ground Stations located in Lahore and Karachi.

Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir said:

The successful launch is yet another shining illustration of the time-tested friendship between Pakistan and China and has ushered in a new era of cooperation in space technology between the two countries. This also marks the next step in taking forward Pakistan’s space Programme “2040”.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Masood Khan said:

It is a symbol of Pakistan-China cooperation in the area of space technology. It is the first of the kind to be launched by China and Pakistan. Therefore it establishes a new platform, and marks a new beginning.

Satellite had its first failed launch on February 14, 1996 but this timethe control room of the launch centre, in China, said the launch was successful and after 26 minutes,  satellite was separated from its carrier rocket and entered geostationary.

Here’s the launch video:

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  • This is a great moment in history. I can tell you if utilized properly this is going to revolutionize the telecommunication scenario here in Pakistan. Congrats to all those who worked and off course to you all.

  • if Paksat-1R will replace Paksat-1 which was launched on January 31st, 1996 then how is Paksat-1R the first communication satellite??

    • Paksat-1 was originally known as Palapa. It was launched by Hughes Space and Communications Company for Indonesia. Later Indonesia declared the satellite unusable after an electric power anomaly. The insurance claims were paid and the title was transferred to Hughes Space and Communications Company. HGS-3 was then acquired by Pakistan from M/s Hughes Global Services on “Full Time Leasing ” and relocated to Pakistan’s reserved slot at 38 Degree. After a series of orbital maneuvers, the Satellite was stabilized at its final location on December 20, 2002 with 0-degree inclination. The satellite is in position at the Pakistani-licensed orbital location, 38° east longitude.

  • Congratulations!!!

    Pakistan has crossed another milestone in the field of Science & Technology.

  • This very good news, Again pakistan is in the race, We will be with other countries inshAllah.

    • Can you share few specs, Antenna Direction,STB etc being used ?
      Or is it Card Sharing, how many Sports Channels, + International News Channels can be received ?

  • It is a good news, specially for rural ereas TV vieiwers that it may possible that they get rid off DISH TV and such other DTH services of india, which were very hard to recharge. It was very expensive to, up to 800 Per month. Now we are hoping our own Pakistani and leagal DTH service provider which may have pakistani news, sports and international TV chanals as well.
    UP to when it will be launched? Hard to answer but good to expect, If somebody owns information about the launch of DTH, kindly share with us.
    Well DONE Pakistan, Geo Pakistan

  • Masha ALLAH azawajal. May ALLAH give us Courage to do such things in Future and we take 2nd 3rd and on word steps.

  • Ay Mari Arz e Wattan tu Salaamat Rahay. ye jo Shaheedo kay Lahu se Likha hai ham ne. tujh se ik harf bhe na Mittay.

  • Most of SUPARCO Engineers were working on this project, I personally know. Pakistan really worked hard and engineers give their level best for optimal design features.
    No one should be doubtful on this achievement. Most of the designs were locally made by local engineers, independently. We are proud on our youth and especially, ENGINEERS…..

  • This is just great that Pakistan has launched its own satellite…….May Allah give us enough courage to launch more and use them wisely ………..InshaAllah

  • Dear manager,

    Hello, I’m lee ye,I have seen your company from google and known your company’s products.We are Hebei hauwo Steel structure Co., Ltd. ,one of the main communication agent in China main sell communication tower and power tower. We would like to be your supplier with our products in good quality and competitive price in the world. Our products are very popular in the world.Would you like to be our wholesaler ? Maybe we will have a cooperation.

    Looking forward to hearing from you at your convenience.
    Thanks & best regards,
    Lee ye

  • There is a website

    crosscurrents.com.pk

    this shows just logo and comming soon but no exact date.

  • In india DTH its free for first three month and we pay 150rupees per month and india has put their national flag on the moon .India is the fourth country in the world to do this after russia ,USA and china.

    • oue prejudice state terrorist hindu what about Ababeel missile have you any of your missile like that


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