China Launches Pakistan's PRSC-EO3 Satellite on Long March 6 Rocket
Summary: On April 25, 2026 at 20:15 Beijing Time, China successfully launched Pakistan's PRSC-EO3 satellite using a Long March 6 carrier rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. The satellite entered its predetermined orbit and the launch mission was a complete success. This was the 640th flight of the Long March series of launch vehicles.
Long March 6 rocket launches from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. Credit: China News Service
Mission Overview
The PRSC-EO3 satellite was developed by Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). The satellite carries a high-resolution optical payload, and the remote sensing data obtained will serve Pakistan's land surveying, agricultural classification assessment, urban and rural planning, and environmental monitoring sectors.
This mission was a customized single-satellite launch for Pakistan. To date, China has provided three launch services for Pakistan's PRSC-EO constellation, helping the constellation successfully complete its phased deployment.
Launch Vehicle
The Long March 6 rocket was developed by the Eighth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. It is a low-temperature liquid three-stage launch vehicle capable of launching various types of satellites to different orbital requirements, and can perform single or multi-satellite launches.
This mission was the 640th flight of the Long March series of launch vehicles, once again setting a new record for China's launch vehicle launch frequency.
Significance of China-Pakistan Space Cooperation
This launch marks the third launch for Pakistan following the Long March 6 launches of PRSC-EO1 and PRSC-EO2 satellites in 2024, demonstrating the deepening cooperation between China and Pakistan in the aerospace field.
Pakistani media gave significant attention to this launch. Pakistan's The Nation newspaper commented that traditional China-Pakistan cooperation has focused on infrastructure, energy, and national defense; this aerospace cooperation marks a critical shift toward advanced science and technology cooperation.