Pakistan is set to launch its PakTES-1A observatory satellite into space next month.

The 285kg satellite will be positioned at a 610km sun-synchronous orbit and is expected to reduce Pakistan’s dependence on US and French satellites for civil and military communications.

PakTES-1A will be equipped with a number of sensors and cameras to conduct its services.

It will also provide various remote sensing services such as studying the features of Earth, identify mineral deposits, and studying the impact of climate change including the decline of melting glaciers and the effect of green house gasses.

“Unlike the complex, heavier and bigger communication satellites, observatory satellite is a simple technology and can be used for a range of purposes.”

The remote sensing technology of the satellite is expected to solve problems associated with agriculture and forestry.

Pakistan Science and Technology former Minister Dr Attaur Rehman told dawn.com: “Unlike the complex, heavier and bigger communication satellites, observatory satellite is a simple technology and can be used for a range of purposes depending on the types of sensing equipment it comes fitted with because there are various kinds of remote sensing satellites.

“It can also study electromagnetic waves and radiation emitted from Earth.”

The development of the satellite is part of an agreement between Pakistan and China in 2016 for the launch of a special remote-sensing satellite this year.

The deal is intended to encourage the development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects.