The launch of Pakistan’s first locally developed Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite was intended to mark a moment of immense national pride. However, what should have been a monumental achievement for the country’s space program quickly became the target of online jokes and memes.
The satellite’s design has been compared to that of a water tank, sparking a wave of trolling and ridicule on social media. While Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the launch as a significant milestone for Pakistan, internet users found humor in the satellite’s appearance, making light of its shape and mocking the country’s space ambitions.
A Proud Moment Turns into a Meme Frenzy
On January 17, 2025, Pakistan made history with the launch of its first indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre. The satellite is part of Pakistan’s growing space program and is intended to enhance the country’s Earth observation capabilities, providing valuable insights for various sectors such as agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management.
The achievement was celebrated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to highlight the success of the launch.
Soaring higher and higher !
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) January 17, 2025
Proud moment for the nation as 🇵🇰 proudly launches its first indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China.
From predicting crop yields to tracking urban growth, #EO1 is a leap forward in our journey… pic.twitter.com/EJX3MY8Kgh
In his post, Sharif expressed national pride, declaring, “Soaring higher and higher! Proud moment for the nation as 🇵🇰 proudly launches its first indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China.”
The tweet, accompanied by an image of the EO-1 satellite, showcased the satellite’s sleek design and its promising potential for Pakistan’s future in space exploration.
However, what was meant to be a serious celebration of Pakistan’s space ambitions quickly took a different turn on social media. Within hours of the satellite’s launch, online users began comparing the satellite’s cylindrical shape to that of a water tanker. Some users went further, sharing images of water tanks alongside the satellite’s photo, highlighting the apparent resemblance.
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The trolling quickly gained momentum, as people on social media began sharing memes and jokes about the satellite’s design. Users on X, in particular, took to their feeds to post humorous content, further fueling the viral trend. The combination of national pride and public mockery turned the EO-1 satellite launch into an unexpected cultural phenomenon on the internet.
The Memes and the Mockery: A Humorous Comparison
One of the most viral moments of the trolling came when a user posted a doctored video of a flooded area alongside an image of the EO-1 satellite. The caption read, “Hello bhai motor band krdo ab bhar gaya paani pura pados tak aa raha hai” (Hello brother, switch off the motor, the entire neighbourhood is flooded now).
Hello @CMShehbaz bhai motor band krdo ab bhar gaya paani pura pados tak aa raha hai🥱 pic.twitter.com/ywDAMawJNC
— Hindutva Vigilant (@VigilntHindutva) January 17, 2025
The joke was a playful jab at the satellite’s shape, humorously suggesting that it resembled a water tank, with the implication that the satellite was overflowing with water like a flood.
This particular post garnered widespread attention, with users jumping in to add their own jokes and edits. Some shared photos of water tankers, while others made references to the satellite’s potential use in “water-related” activities, further amplifying the ridicule.
The memes ranged from clever wordplay to more absurd visuals, all poking fun at the satellite’s design. In a matter of hours, the satellite had become a subject of both national pride and internet humor.
While the trolling was lighthearted and meant to entertain, it also reflected a deeper societal trend: the internet’s tendency to scrutinize, mock, and deconstruct even the most serious and significant national events.
The comparison between the EO-1 satellite and a water tank quickly became a symbol of how easily public figures and important milestones can be ridiculed online, regardless of their significance.
Same to same pic.twitter.com/HlUCFAhIij
— Meme Farmer (@craziestlazy) January 17, 2025
Some critics argue that the trolling may have undermined the importance of the satellite launch and reflected a lack of support for Pakistan’s growing space program.
However, others suggest that the memes are simply part of the playful nature of internet culture and that the humor surrounding the satellite was a way for people to engage with the event in a lighthearted manner.
Beyond the Jokes: The Bigger Picture for Pakistan’s Space Program
While the memes surrounding Pakistan’s first EO-1 satellite launch may have stolen the spotlight for a brief moment, it’s important to recognize the broader significance of the achievement. The EO-1 satellite is a crucial step forward in Pakistan’s quest to establish itself as a significant player in space exploration.
For years, Pakistan has been working to develop its space capabilities, investing in various satellite projects, space technology, and research. The EO-1 satellite, developed by the country’s own engineers, represents a major leap in Pakistan’s technological and scientific capabilities.
It will allow Pakistan to monitor its environment, gather data on natural disasters, and track agricultural and urban development, which can help in resource management and strategic planning.
Despite the online trolling, Pakistan’s space program has the potential to contribute to the country’s development in several areas. Earth observation satellites like EO-1 are crucial for monitoring climate change, natural disasters, and agricultural production.
These capabilities can significantly benefit Pakistan, particularly in managing its water resources, agriculture, and responding to disasters such as floods and droughts.
Moreover, the EO-1 satellite launch is a testament to Pakistan’s growing technological expertise. While other countries may have a head start in space exploration, Pakistan’s entry into the field marks an important step toward global recognition and participation in space programs.
The satellite is expected to play a key role in Pakistan’s future space endeavors, opening up opportunities for further advancements in space science, engineering, and technology.
The social media memes, while humorous, should not detract from the importance of the country’s growing space program. Rather, they serve as a reminder of the complex relationship between national pride and public perception.
In a world where digital engagement often overshadows traditional forms of communication, events like the EO-1 satellite launch become vulnerable to both celebration and ridicule, often simultaneously.
From National Pride to Internet Humor
Pakistan’s launch of its first Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite may have been overshadowed by a flurry of memes and online jokes, but it remains a significant milestone in the country’s space program. The trolling, while humorous, highlights the power of social media in shaping the public’s perception of national achievements.
The comparison of the satellite to a water tank may have been an unexpected turn for the country’s space endeavors, but it underscores the role of internet culture in today’s world.
As Pakistan continues to develop its space capabilities, it must navigate the ever-present influence of social media, where even the most serious accomplishments can be transformed into viral moments of humor.
In the end, the EO-1 satellite’s launch is a major achievement for Pakistan, regardless of the memes it inspired. The country’s growing space program, coupled with advancements in technology and science, offers hope for the future.
As the world continues to watch, Pakistan’s next steps in space exploration may well be met with more excitement, innovation, and perhaps a few more memes along the way.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏