A Long March-3B carrier rocket lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province at 8:12 p.m. on May 30, sending a "Paksat MM1" satellite into the orbit.

It was the third full satellite cooperation project between the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) and Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). It follows the Paksat-1R and PRSS-1 projects.

The high-power multi-mission satellite carries 48 transponders. It uses a combined Chemical-Electric Propulsion Design, which can improve its reliability and in-orbit fuel lifespan. It was China's first international satellite project to implement the high-precision positioning service of the Beidou navigation system through the Beidou satellite navigation signal augmentation service.

The Paksat MM1 satellite will provide various communication services including broadband internet, TV broadcasting, telecommunication and more in Pakistan and the neighboring regions.