Paksat Satellites at 38°E: Pakistan’s Strategic Gateway to Space Communications
From Paksat-1R to Paksat-MM1 — How Pakistan’s National Satellite Program Is Shaping Digital Connectivity
🌍 Overview of Paksat Satellites at 38°E
Pakistan’s presence in space communications has steadily evolved from leased satellites to modern, indigenous, multi-mission platforms. At the center of this journey lies the 38° East geostationary orbital slot, home to the Paksat satellite system, managed by SUPARCO (Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission) and commercially operated by Paksat International.
This orbital position plays a strategic role in broadcasting, telecommunications, internet backhaul, and national digital infrastructure—not only for Pakistan but also for large parts of South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.
🛰️ SUPARCO & Pakistan’s Satellite Vision
SUPARCO serves as Pakistan’s national space agency, responsible for satellite development, launch coordination, and long-term space policy. Over the years, SUPARCO has shifted from dependence on foreign satellite leasing to indigenously designed and mission-focused satellites, aligned with national economic and security objectives.
The Paksat program is a flagship outcome of this strategy, supporting:
- Free-to-air (FTA) television broadcasting
- Internet and VSAT connectivity
- Government and emergency communications
- Digital economy expansion
- Regional data and broadcast services
This evolution now aligns directly with the National Space Program 2047, Pakistan’s long-term roadmap for space sovereignty and technological independence.
📜 Historical Development of Paksat at 38°E
Early Phase: Leased Capability (2002–2011)
Pakistan’s journey at 38°E began in 2002 with a leased satellite originally known as Palapa-C1, later renamed Anatolia-1 and HGS-3, and finally designated Paksat-1.
This satellite provided Pakistan with immediate access to:
- C-band and Ku-band broadcasting
- Coverage across 75+ countries
- Early TV, telecom, and data relay services
While crucial, this phase highlighted the need for sovereign satellite ownership.
Indigenous Breakthrough: Paksat-1R (2011)
That turning point arrived on August 11, 2011, when Paksat-1R was launched aboard a Long March-3B rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, China.
Paksat-1R marked Pakistan’s first indigenously developed communications satellite, designed in collaboration with Chinese partners.
Key highlights:
- Positioned at 38°E
- Designed lifespan: 15 years
- Enabled national TV broadcasting, internet, and VSAT
- Reduced dependence on leased foreign satellites
🚀 The Next Generation: Paksat-MM1 (2024)
In May 2024, Pakistan entered a new era with the launch of Paksat-MM1 (Multi-Mission 1), again from Xichang using a Long March-3B rocket.
Located at 38.2°E, Paksat-MM1 represents a technological leap, built to meet future digital and connectivity demands.
What Makes MM1 Different?
- Multi-band operations (C, Ku, Ka, and L-band)
- High-throughput architecture
- Support for SBAS navigation, digital infrastructure, and e-commerce
- Enhanced EIRP beams focused on Pakistan
- Designed to operate well into the 2040s
This satellite is also linked to regional connectivity initiatives, including infrastructure corridors and cross-border data services.
📊 Paksat-1R vs Paksat-MM1 (Technical Comparison)
| Feature | Paksat-1R | Paksat-MM1 |
|---|---|---|
| Orbital Position | 38°E | 38.2°E |
| Launch Date | Aug 11, 2011 | May 30, 2024 |
| Operator | SUPARCO / CGWIC | SUPARCO / CASC |
| Frequency Bands | C, Ku | C, Ku, Ka, L |
| Transponders | 16 C-band, 18 Ku-band | High-power multi-mission |
| Coverage | Europe, Africa, Asia | Pakistan, Middle East, Africa |
| Status (Dec 2025) | Active (legacy use) | Primary operational satellite |
📡 Broadcasting & Frequency Capabilities
Paksat-1R (Legacy Platform)
- Mainly vertical C-band transponders
- Typical frequency range: 3718 V – 4185 V MHz
- DVB-S2 / 8PSK modulation
- Still hosting selective regional and international muxes
- Gradual deprecation ongoing
Paksat-MM1 (Primary Platform)
- Emphasis on horizontal C-band beams
- Frequency range: 3707 H – 4150 H MHz
- Supports HD, MPEG-4, DVB-S2
- Hosts major Pakistani networks:
- PTV (PTV Home HD, etc.)
- Geo TV (Geo News HD)
- Hum Network
- Radio Pakistan
Most broadcasters completed migration to MM1 by late 2025, offering better signal strength and stability.
📺 Free-to-Air Reception & Coverage
For viewers, Paksat satellites remain highly accessible:
- C-band dish size: 4–6 feet
- LNB frequency: Around 5150 MHz
- Strong FTA footprint across Pakistan
- Reliable reception in neighboring regions
MM1’s improved beam design ensures higher EIRP (31–45 dBW), especially over Pakistan’s mainland.
🔮 Current Operations & Future Outlook (2025–2047)
As of December 2025:
- Paksat-MM1 is the primary satellite at 38°E
- Paksat-1R continues limited operations
- No major service disruptions reported
- Periodic rescans recommended due to migrations
Looking ahead, Pakistan’s National Space Program 2047 envisions:
- Additional satellites at 38°E
- Support for 5G backhaul
- Disaster monitoring and emergency communications
- Expansion of secure government networks
- Greater regional satellite services exports
🧭 Final Thoughts
The Paksat satellite system at 38°E is more than a broadcasting platform—it is a symbol of Pakistan’s growing space maturity. From early leased solutions to Paksat-MM1’s multi-mission architecture, the journey reflects a national commitment to digital independence, connectivity, and long-term technological vision.
As Pakistan moves toward 2047, the 38°E slot will remain a cornerstone of its space-based future.
