Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission

Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission Agency overview Formed September 16, 1961 Jurisdiction Government of PakistanHeadquarters Sonmiani Space CentreEmployees ~150 Annual Budget PKRRs. 350 million (2007) Agency Executive Raza Hussain, Administrator Website www.suparco.gov.pk

The Pakistan Space Agency or Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) is the Pakistani government space agency responsible for Pakistan's space program. It was formed in September 1961 by the order of President Ayub Khan on the advise of Professor Dr Abdus Salam, Nobel Laureate, who was also made its founding director [1]. SUPARCO is an autonomous research and development organization under the Government of Pakistan. The headquarters of SUPARCO is located in Islamabad, however with the development of Sonmiani it is expected that the new headquarters will be moved in the near future. The agency also has offices in Lahore and at Karachi (an engineering installation).

1 Rehbar I & II
2 21st Century
3 Revitalization of SUPARCO
4 Functions
- 4.1 Specific programs and missions
5 Pakistani satellites
6 International Cooperation
- 6.1 China
7 See also
8 References
9 External links

Rehbar I & II

On June 7, 1962 at 1953 hours (PST) Rehbar-I was successfully launched from Sonmiani. It soared to about 10 km into the atmosphere, making Pakistan the thirtieth country in Asia and the 130th in the world to conduct such a launch. Rehbar-II was also successfully launched from Sonmiani on June 9, 1962. The data received from Rehbar-I and Rehbar-II gave scientists information on wind shear and structure of layers of the upper atmosphere extending beyond the stratosphere. The data collected also helped in the study of cloud formation, cyclones and weather over the Arabian Sea and the coastal areas of Pakistan. Similar tests were done in the years after.[2]

21st Century

Since it is severly lagging behind Indian space program, to lift the pakistani space program out of obscurity, in 2005, President Pervez Musharraf outlined his vision for SUPARCO by laying down a clearly defined agenda for the national space agency to pursue and deliver in minimum time. As an established and well recognized nuclear and missile power, the next logical frontier for Pakistan is space. President Musharraf had made it clear that Pakistan would need to catch up to the world space leaders and make up for lost time and neglect in the past.[3]

Revitalization of SUPARCO

Revitalization, restructuring, reorientation and modernization of SUPARCO are the main objectives outlined by President Musharraf. SUPARCO is to be brought at par with other strategic organizations around the world. Specific objectives include research and development of communication satellites, remote sensing satellites and satellite launch vehicles, with the objective of bringing rapid growth and socio-economic development in the fields of education, information technology, communications, agriculture sector, mineral excavation and atmospheric sciences. [4]

Functions

Development of state policy concepts in the sphere of research and peaceful uses of space, as well as in the interests of national security
Organization and development of space activities in Pakistan and under its jurisdiction abroad
Contributing to state national security and defense capability
Organization and development of Pakistan's cooperation with other states and international space organizations

Specific programs and missions

Scientific space research
Remote sensing of Earth
Satellite telecommunication systems
Geographic Information System
Natural Resource Surveying
Environmental monitoring
Acquisition of data for atmospheric/meteorological studies
Development of the ground-based infrastructure for navigation and special information system
Space activities in the interests of national security and defense
Development of research, test and production base of the space sector

Pakistani satellites

Name Launched Retired Purpose Rehbar-1 June 7, 1962Explore the ionosphereRehbar-2 June 9, 1962Explore the ionosphere BADR IJanuary 1986 1987 Experimental communications satellite BADR B December 10, 2001Still in use Communication satellite PAKSAT-1 (formerly Palapa C1) December 20, 2002Still in use Communication satellitePAKSAT-IR In Development

International Cooperation

China

In May, 2007, China (as a strategic partner) agreed and signed an accord with Pakistan to enhance cooperation in the areas of space science and technology. Pakistan-China bilateral cooperation in the space industry could span a broad spectrum, including climate science, clean energy technologies, atmospheric and earth sciences, and marine sciences. Pakistan and China have been strengthening cooperation in the space industry. In August, 2006 China committed to work with Pakistan to launch three Earth-resource satellites over the next five years. The relevant institutions of the two countries have already started the groundwork to launch the satellites within the stipulated period. [5]