PakSat MM1: Pakistan's satellite reaches earth orbit

Pakistan’s second communication satellite, PakSat MM1, launched on May 30 by Pakistan’s National Space Agency (SUPARCO), has reached its earth orbit on June 05.

According to the Spokesperson of Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Commission (SUPARCO), PakSat MM1 is located at an altitude of 38,786 km above the earth.

The satellite is in earth orbit at 38.2 East.

The five-tonne PakSat MM1 is equipped with the latest communication equipment which would help provide the fastest internet facility in the country.

After reaching the orbit, the solar panels of the satellite have started functioning.
Various tests will be performed on the satellite to check the condition of the satellite in orbit, the SUPARCO spokesperson said.

Read more: iCube Qamar: Pakistan’s satellite sends first image from lunar orbit

Earlier, Pakistan’s historic lunar mission (ICUBE-Q) was launched on May 3 on board China’s Chang’E6 from Hainan, China. The satellite iCube-Qamar mission marks Pakistan’s first lunar exploration effort which is a significant milestone for the country’s space endeavours.

The satellite, weighing about 7kg, was developed by the Electrical Engineering Department of the Institute of Space Technology (IST) in Islamabad.

The satellite successfully captured and transmitted its inaugural images from lunar orbit, providing a unique perspective of the moon’s surface.