Pakistan’s national space agency, SUPARCO, has officially retired PakSat-1R after more than 15 years of operations in geostationary orbit.
Launched on August 11, 2011, the satellite played a key role in supporting Pakistan’s telecommunications infrastructure, television broadcasting and broadband connectivity, while also serving users across the wider region.
Following the completion of its operational mission, SUPARCO safely moved PakSat-1R away from its 38°E orbital slot into a designated disposal orbit, in line with international space-safety and orbital-debris mitigation practices.
The satellite is now drifting westward, marking the end of a significant chapter in Pakistan’s satellite communications history.
To ensure continuity of services, Pakistan has increasingly relied on PakSat-MM1, which became operational in May 2024.
The retirement of PakSat-1R reflects Pakistan’s efforts to modernize its satellite fleet while promoting safer, more sustainable and responsible use of space.
