The president of Pakistan has given preliminary approval to a program to develop the nation’s first imagery satellite, according to press reports.

The Remote Sensing Satellite System (RSSS) would be developed over six years at a cost of 19.3 billion Pakistan rupees ($323.6 million) by the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, The Dawn newspaper reported .

The RSSS would provide imagery for national defense and security purposes, as well as research data for universities and non-profit organizations.