Xichang (CNS) -- "It is a symbol of Pakistan and China's cooperation in the area of space science and technology. It is the first of its kind to be launched by China and Pakistan. Therefore, it establishes a new platform, and it marks a new beginning," said Ambassador Masood Khan in an interview with the China News Agency on the occasion of the launch of PAKSAT-1R at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.
The China-Pakistan Friendship Year was launched this year to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.
In Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Pakistan last year, both governments agreed to interact more in the field of space technology. In one single year, significant progress has been made, with the best example being the PAKSAT-1R.
"The use of satellite would bring direct benefits to Pakistan's economy," said Khan, "it would refine and enhance country's capabilities for the use of broadband Internet, digital broadcasting, mobile telephone, and disaster prevention and management. All these capabilities will enable Pakistan to focus more sharply on social development, especially on education and health sectors."
Technology cooperation between China and Pakistan can be traced back to the 1990s. In July 1990, Pakistan's first indigenously developed satellite BADR-A was delivered to space aboard a Chinese rocket called Long March 2E.
Since then, the two parties have developed and maintained bilateral cooperation in space science and technology. So far, many Pakistani scientists and engineers have studied in Chinese universities and institutes.
Speaking of the next step, Ambassador Khan said "Pakistan and China are moving into the higher stages of aerospace cooperation. Remote sensing satellite is one such area. This satellite will cover crop monitoring, weather forecasting, urban planning, disaster preparedness and response, earth observation, and oceanography. These applications will have a direct impact on the agriculture, industry, and service sectors of Pakistan, vital for economy."
"Last year Pakistan was hit by massive floods which caused large scale devastation across the country. It was at that time that the country fully realized the importance of a remote sensing satellite."
In the long term, Pakistan is also looking forward to cooperating with China on satellite designs to develop Pakistan's indigenous capability.
Moreover, the Pakistani representatives expressed their wish to be engaged in China's Manned Space and Deep Space Exploration programs in the future.
"It is our desire that the first non-Chinese astronaut to travel on board a Chinese spaceflight is a Pakistani."
On the topic of China's space career, Ambassador Khan remarked "China's space technology industrial base is expanding. Shenzhou 7, the third manned spaceflight has established a new threshold for China." The planned Shenzhou 8 will be docked with the Tiangong 1 space module, which will place the first portion of China's planned space laboratory in orbit. "This will be a breakthrough."
"The Beidou is yet another technological achievement as China can launch and operate complex systems in space. These are all new frontiers that China is conquering. The people of Pakistan are proud of these scientific achievements of China," noted Ambassador Khan.
It is highly appreciated that China is assisting developing countries in benefiting from space technology advancement. He also showed great confidence that China will "promote international cooperation with Asia, Africa, Latin America, and all the other continents of the world. China's effort will help harness the resources of space and outer space for the common good of humanity."
