Pakistan has reached a major milestone in its space program with the successful launch and operation of PakSat-MM1, the country’s first multi-mission satellite. This satellite marks Pakistan’s entry into space-based broadband services, significantly enhancing its technological capabilities.

Shaza Fatima, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Information Technology, announced this development alongside the country’s first National Space Policy.

Read more: Pakistan’s First Multi-Mission Satellite, PAKSAT-MM1, Is Now Operational

She highlighted PakSat-MM1’s crucial role in the policy, emphasizing its potential to improve connectivity, especially in remote and underserved areas.

Fatima noted that the satellite addresses Pakistan’s ongoing challenge of providing internet access to rural regions where traditional infrastructure has struggled. She expressed optimism about its transformative impact on sectors like education and healthcare through enhanced digitalization.

SUPARCO Chairman Yusuf Khan and PakSat CEO Khalid Rashid praised the satellite’s extensive capabilities, stating that PakSat-MM1 will offer a range of services, including broadband internet, telecommunications, and data transfer.

They asserted that the satellite is expected to significantly enhance internet speeds nationwide and provide 5G coverage, overcoming the high costs and logistical challenges of traditional telecom infrastructure in difficult-to-reach areas.

In an ambitious projection, Khan and Rashid suggested that the successful use of PakSat-MM1 could potentially increase Pakistan’s GDP by up to 2.5%.