In the span of just a few months, Pakistan and China have taken their partnership beyond the earth’s surface and straight into space. First came the launch of Pakistan’s latest satellite, built to map our land, guide urban growth, and prepare for disasters. Then came the announcement that Pakistan’s first astronaut will train for a mission to China’s Tiangong space station.
These milestones may unfold hundreds of kilometres above us, but their impact will be felt in the way we plan cities, protect communities, and invest in real estate here at home.
On 7 August, Arab News reported the successful launch of the Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS-1) from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Centre. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal called it proof that the friendship between our two countries is now “higher than the skies.”
The satellite is far more than a symbol. It can conduct detailed land surveys, monitor changes in urban areas, and track conditions for disaster preparedness. All of this feeds into better decision-making in agriculture, infrastructure, and city planning, foundations for economic growth and real estate development across Pakistan.
This follows another milestone from April 2025, highlighted by Reuters: China’s Shenzhou-20 mission to its Tiangong space station. While that crew was entirely Chinese, Pakistan has since been invited to join the programme. The country is now selecting its first astronaut, who would also be the first foreign astronaut aboard Tiangong. It’s a move that reflects China’s trust in Pakistan and a shared commitment to progress in advanced science and technology.
With high-resolution satellite mapping, developers can choose project sites with far greater accuracy. It’s a shift from relying on estimates to making decisions backed by data, saving both time and money.
Stronger disaster-monitoring tools will help architects and planners design buildings that can withstand environmental challenges. This means better safety for residents and better protection of property values.
This will give improved insights into rural and agricultural land, making it easier to spot regions primed for urban expansion. With the right vision, such locations can be transformed into vibrant residential and commercial hubs.
For investors, particularly overseas Pakistanis, the advantage comes from how this technology guides the work of developers and city planners. When land is mapped accurately and risks are identified early, projects are built in the right locations, with the right infrastructure, and with greater resilience. The result is a property that holds its value, attracts long-term demand, and offers stronger returns, turning Pakistan-China space achievements into real opportunities on the ground.
At One Homes, we take these opportunities and turn them into thriving destinations. By combining strategic site selection with world-class design and planning, we create places that offer lasting value for residents, investors, and the communities around them.