View source for Astronomy:Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission

{{Short description|National Space Agency of Pakistan}}
<references group="https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2022/06/10/rs-7-3951-billion-earmarked-for-suparco-in-psdp-2022-23/" />
{{Use Pakistani English|date=August 2013}}
{{Infobox space agency
| child            = <!-- to make this a child (subsidiary) infobox -->
| name             = Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission
| native_name      = <!-- native name(s) of the agency using Western characters (French, German, Spanish, etc.) -->
| native_name_a    = خلائی و بالائے فضائی تحقیقاتی مأموریہ
| native_name_r    = <!-- romanized name of the agency -->
| seal             = SUPARCO Pakistan Logo.png 
| seal_size        = 
| seal_alt         = 
| seal_caption     = 
| logo             = <!-- official logo of the agency -->
| logo_size        = 
| logo_alt         = 
| logo_caption     = 
| logo2            = <!-- secondary logo of the agency -->
| logo2_size       = 
| logo2_alt        = 
| logo2_caption    = 
| image            = SUPARCO, Karachi. - panoramio.jpg
| image_size       = 200px
| image_alt        = 
| caption          = {{small|SUPARCO Rear-headquarters in [[Place:Karachi|Karachi]], Sindh}}
| acronym          = SUPARCO
| nickname         = 
| former_name      = 
| formed           = {{Start date and age|1961|09|16|df=yes}}
| preceding1       = <!-- up to | preceding6 = -->
| dissolved        = <!-- date of dissolution of the agency, use {{end date and age|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| superseding1     = <!-- up to | superseding6 = -->
| type             = Space agency
| jurisdiction     = Government of Pakistan
| status           = Active
| headquarters     = [[Place:Islamabad|Islamabad]]-45900, Pakistan 
| coordinates      = <!-- headquarters coordinates using {{coord}}, see documentation at {{coord}} for fields -->
| motto            = <!-- official motto/slogan of the agency -->
| language         = <!-- any official language used by the agency, use | languages = for more than one language -->
| administrator    =  
| leader_title     = Chairman
| leader_name      = Mohammad Yusuf Khan
| key_people       = <!-- key people of the agency that are not necessarily agency leaders -->
| spaceport        = <!----Pakistan Air Force now manages and controls this site: Sonmiani Flight Test Range, Please don't add, no mention of Sonmiani in SUPARCO's website----->
| owner            = Government of Pakistan
| employees        = <!-- or | num_staff = -->
| budget           = {{increase}} {{PKRConvert|7.3951|b|2|to = USD}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2022/06/10/rs-7-3951-billion-earmarked-for-suparco-in-psdp-2022-23/| title=Rs. 7.3951 billion earmarked for SUPARCO in PSDP 2022-23| date=2022-06-10}}</ref> <br /> {{small|(2022-23)}}
| website          = {{URL|http://www.suparco.gov.pk}}
| agency_id        = <!-- unique identifier assigned by records office or similar organization -->
| map              = <!-- map of the agency -->
| map_size         = 
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| map_type         = <!-- the name of a location map (e.g. Indonesia or Russia) -->
| map_dot_mark     = <!-- the name of an image to display as the pushpin mark -->
| map_dot_label    = <!-- the text of the label to place next to the pushpin mark -->
| embed            = <!-- to embed another child (subsidiary) infobox at the bottom -->
| footnotes        = 
}}


Established in 1961 with an objective to learn the art of [[Engineering:Rocket|rocketry]] and [[Earth:Upper atmosphere|high altitude research]] from the {{wipe|United States}}, the agency worked to develop the capacity for a national satellite program, eventually launching Pakistan's first satellite from China in 1990.{{sfn|Lele|2012|pp=44, 45}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sahim |first=Sarmad |date=2020-09-28 |title=SUPARCO vs ISRO - |url=https://scientiamag.org/suparco-vs-isro/ |access-date=2022-08-13 |language=en-US}}</ref>{{sfn|Lele|2012|p=46}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aerospaceguide.net/worldspace/pakistan.html |title=Pakistan Space Program |website=www.aerospaceguide.net |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202005559/http://www.aerospaceguide.net/worldspace/pakistan.html |archive-date=2 February 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The agency was also an early participant and competitor in rocket development program sponsored by the Ministry of Defence of Pakistan.{{sfn|Lele|2012|p=46}}

The agency leads the national satellite program and maintains an [[Astronomy:Orbital station-keeping|orbital operation]] of its satellites with support facilities throughout the country.<ref name="TheNews International">{{Cite web|last =Staff Desk|title=NCA okays Nuclear Power Prog 2050, Space Prog 2040|work=The News International Directorate for Science and Technology|publisher=The News International| date =14 July 2011|url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=18716&title=NCA-okays-Nuclear-Power-Prog-2050| access-date = 1 December 2020}}</ref><ref name="suparco, satellite program">{{cite web |title=National Satellite Program |url=https://suparco.gov.pk/major-programmes/projects/ |website=Suparco.gov.pk |publisher=SUPARCO |access-date=21 October 2023}}</ref> The agency has sustained significant criticism within Pakistan for failing to compete with its [[Astronomy:Indian Space Research Organisation|Indian]] and Chinese counterparts in terms of capabilities— both of which countries have satellite launch capabilities– in spite of being established earlier than its competitors.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Mughal|first=Bilal Karim|date=2018-09-24|title=Pakistan steps forward in astronomy and space sciences|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1434638|newspaper=The Dawn|access-date=2020-12-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Mughal|first=Bilal Karim|date=September 2014|title=Metro Bus or Mars: The problem with our priorities|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1134488|newspaper=The Dawn|access-date=2020-12-01}}</ref><ref name="The Tribune Express (TEX)">{{cite news|last=Siddiqui|first=Salman|title=Lagging behind: 2040 – Pakistan's space od[d]yssey|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/415738/lagging-behind-2040-pakistans-space-oddyssey/|access-date=20 September 2012|newspaper=The Tribune Express (TEX)|date=1 August 2012|agency=Tribune Express|quote=fty years ago, Pakistan's [then] only Nobel laureate Dr Abdus Salam conceived the idea of the country's first space research programme and national space agency in 1961.}}</ref>

==History==
===Creation===


It was during the development of [[Astronomy:Apollo program|Apollo program]] in 1961 when [[Biography:Abdus Salam|Abdus Salam]] found an opportunity for Pakistan to start its space program with the foreign funding coming from the {{wipe|United States}}.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> The American [[Organization:NASA|NASA]] was embarking the Apollo program in a competition with [[Astronomy:Soviet space program|Soviet space program]] had realize the need of scientific data in [[Earth:Upper atmosphere|upper atmosphere]] and therefore, invited India and Pakistan (bordering nations of the [[Earth:Indian Ocean|Indian Ocean]]) to join the studies and experimentations.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Initially, the engineers from [[Organization:Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission|Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission]] (PAEC) were directed at the [[Organization:Wallops Flight Facility|Wallops Flight Facility]] to learn the rocketry from the United States as Abdus Salam worked on approving to establishing a commission from Ayub administration.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1134488|title=Metro Bus or Mars|date=26 September 2014|access-date=18 September 2016}}</ref>

A commission to study the upper atmosphere and rocketry was established under [https://image.khaleejtimes.com/?uuid=e2386981-2f7a-5059-8fc4-d49876fc50b6&function=cropresize&type=preview&source=false&q=75&crop_w=0.99999&crop_h=0.8302&x=0&y=0&width=1500&height=844 Abdus Salam] and  [http://www.tariqmustafa.com/uploads/1/1/5/9/11596561/8189411.jpg Ishrat Usmani] as its chairman with nuclear engineers from PAEC, Tariq Mustafa and [[Biography:Salim Mehmud|Salim Mehmud]], becoming its first members in 1961 through the "Space Sciences Research Wing" of PAEC.<ref name="South Asia Journal, Khan, 2018">{{cite web |last1=Khan |first1=Usman Ali |title=Pakistan's space initiatives |url=https://southasiajournal.net/pakistans-space-initiative/ |website=southasiajournal.net |publisher=South Asia Journal |access-date=21 October 2023 |date=18 July 2018}}</ref> The Commission was first in the Muslim world to start studies in establishing the space program, and was named as "Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission" to represent its purpose and mission on 16 September 1961.{{rp|237}}<ref name="Stanford University Press, Khan, 2012">{{cite book |last1=Khan |first1=Feroz |title=Eating Grass: The Making of the Pakistani Bomb |date=7 November 2012 |publisher=Stanford University Press |isbn=978-0-8047-8480-1 |pages=500 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yGgrNAsKZjEC&q=pakistani+missile+program+eating+grass |access-date=10 September 2023 |language=en |format=google books |chapter=Pakistan's Missile Quest}}</ref> 

===Early studies===

The Commission working under Abdus Salam was tasked with learning the [[Engineering:Aerospace engineering|rocket engineering]], and contribution from {{wipe|France}} and the {{wipe|United States}} helped start this mission.{{rp|238}}<ref name="Stanford University Press, Khan, 2012" /> Foundation of the agency made Pakistan the first [[Place:South Asia|South Asia]]n country to start a space program.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://worldofaerospace.googlepages.com/Aerospace.htm|title=Aerospace|access-date=18 September 2016}}</ref><ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/modis-space-diplomacy-puts-india-into-new-orbit/articleshow/58442281.cms Modi's space diplomacy puts India into new orbit]</ref> Furthermore,  a Flight Test Range was established in Sonmiani which is {{cvt|50|km|mi}} west of [[Place:Karachi|Karachi]], from where a program of sounding rocket launches was conducted based on the Nike-Ajax rockets followed by the Judi-Dart program<ref name="ReferenceA"/>  

On 7 July 1962, the Commission  launched the first rocket, known as "[[Engineering:Rehbar-I|Rehbar-I]]", which reached the altitude of {{cvt|80|mi|ft}} in space..<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="Pakistan's first rocket soars 80 miles high">{{cite news|last=Staff Correspondents|title=Pakistan's first rocket soars 80 miles high |url=http://dawn.com/2012/06/08/pakistans-first-rocket-soars-80-miles-high/ |newspaper=Dawn Newspapers |date=8 June 2012 |access-date=7 October 2013}}</ref> The United States publicly supported and hailed the program as the beginning of "a program of continuous cooperation in space research of mutual interest."<ref name="wisconsinproject.org">{{cite web| url=http://www.wisconsinproject.org/countries/pakistan/hatf.html| title=Pakistan Derives its First "Hatf" Missiles from Foreign Space Rockets|access-date=18 September 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726004525/http://www.wisconsinproject.org/countries/pakistan/hatf.html|archive-date=26 July 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Until 1972, the United States provided training on rocket engines at the [[Organization:Goddard Space Flight Center|Goddard Space Flight Center]].<ref name="wisconsinproject.org"/> The ground stations for satellite navigation were set-up by the Commission in Karachi and Lahore in 1973, and were visited by the [[Engineering:Apollo 17|Apollo 17]] astronauts.<ref name="The Tribune Express (TEX)"/> In 1973, the Islamabad Ionospheric Station was established at the Quaid-e-Azam University and Landsat ground station was established near Lahore.<ref name="The Tribune Express (TEX)"/>

===Funding and support===

After 1972, the Commission lost its sight with the United States ceasing its fund to support any missions to study upper atmosphere.<ref name="The Tribune Express (TEX)"/> After the  war with India in 1971, the space program became secondary in military funding to the [[Engineering:Pakistan and weapons of mass destruction|nuclear weapons program]].<ref name="The Tribune Express (TEX)"/> The Commission, which had employed engineers with background in nuclear engineering, had to be transfer to Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission to support the nuclear program.<ref name="The Tribune Express (TEX)"/> Furthermore, the Pakistan Air Force's military support and funding to the ''Rehbar'' program also ended any efforts for space program.<ref name="The Tribune Express (TEX)"/> 

After India launched its first satellite from Russia in 1975, the Commission began to lobby to work on nation's first satellite in a view of catching India in space in 1979. In 1981, Commission was re-organized with a purpose of emphasizing and elevated its role as an independent federal agency of the government of Pakistan.<ref>Mahmud, Salim, ''Munir Ahmad Khan Memorial Reference'', Islamabad, Pakistan, April 28, 2007, retrieved, October 12, 2023.</ref> The executive committee was formed with the efforts from the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission that oversaw the funding of nation's satellite program known as "PakSat".<ref name=pga00>{{cite web |date=2000|title=The Transfer of Dual-Use Outer Space Technologies: Confrontation or Cooperation |url=http://doc.rero.ch/record/3673/files/these_GaspariniP.pdf |publisher=Université de Genève, Institut Universitaire de Hautes Études Internationales |last1=Gasparini Alves |first1=Péricles |pages=93–99 |access-date=7 October 2013}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA"/> Support from the Pakistan Radio Society (PRS) and [[Organization:University of Surrey|University of Surrey]] of {{wipe|England}} made it possible for the agency to start working satellite program– owning major contributions to {{wipe|United Kingdom}} that allowed Pakistani scientists to study satellite engineering while participating in building the [[Engineering:UoSAT-1|UoSAT-1]] and UO-11, which was launched in 1984.<ref name="Federation of American Scientists (FAS)">{{Cite web
  | last =Mehmud, PhD 
  | first =Salim 
  |author2=P. Proctor 
   | title =Pakistan and Satellite Communication Systems
  | work =Salim Mehmud, former Chairman of the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission and technical director of the Hatf-I project. 
  | publisher =Federation of American Scientists (FAS) 
  | date =20 March 2000<!-- 6:42:34 AM -->
  | url =https://fas.org/spp/guide/pakistan/comm/index.html
  | access-date =15 August 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Space Today Online, Pakistan topic">{{cite web |title=Space Today Online - Amateur Radio Satellites Launched in the 1990s - Pakistan's Badr |url=http://www.spacetoday.org/Satellites/Hamsats/Hamsats1990s/Hamsats90sBadr.html |website=www.spacetoday.org |access-date=22 October 2023}}</ref> 

Funding of the communication satellite was purely military rather than space exploration and it was being designed to stage a "cultural counter-attack" on India with the influx of new Pakistani media channels.<ref name="The Tribune Express (TEX)"/> A {{cvt|10|m|ft}} ground station was expanded in Lahore to support satellite operations in 1983.<ref name="The Tribune Express (TEX)"/> In 1983, the agency started to construct nation's first satellite, which was called [[Engineering:Badr-1|Badr-1]] (lit. ''Moon'').<ref name="global secuirty, pakistan">{{cite web |title=Pakistan and Satellite Communication Systems |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/space/world/pakistan/comm.htm |website=webcache.googleusercontent.com |publisher=global secuirty |access-date=22 October 2023}}</ref> In 1986, Pakistan negotiated with the United States to launch the satellite but it was eventually China that helped Pakistan launched its first satellite in 1990.<ref>{{Cite web
  | title =Pakistan and Satellite Communication Systems 
  | work =Federation of American Scientists (FAS)
  | publisher =Pakistan Military Consortium 
  | date =20 March 2000<!-- 6:42:34 AM -->
  | url =https://fas.org/spp/guide/pakistan/comm/index.html
  | access-date = 18 March 2011 }}</ref>

===Internal competition and slot crises===
[[File:LEOSAR footprint.gif|thumb|right|200px|Pakistan Mission Control Center (PMCC) controls one of many LEOSAR satellites (as illustrated above) with close coordination with Russia, France, and member of the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme.]]

In 1987, the agency received military's support when the existence of [[Engineering:Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme|India's missile program]] was revealed.{{rp|235}}<ref name="Stanford University Press, Khan, 2012" /> Responding to India's program, the missile program known as Hatf program (lit. ''Target'') was launched with Army GHQ wanting the agency to lead the program.{{rp|236}}<ref name="Stanford University Press, Khan, 2012" /> Other than the [[Engineering:Hatf-I|Hatf-I]] project with [[Organization:Khan Research Laboratories|Khan Research Laboratories]] (KRL), only the [[Engineering:Abdali-I|Abdali program]] with DESTO was completed by the Commission.{{rp|236}}<ref name="Stanford University Press, Khan, 2012" /> The missile program was then delegated to national defense laboratories of the Ministry of Defence who proved to be more capable than the agency itself in feasibility of rocket engines and controls system.{{rp|236}}<ref name="Stanford University Press, Khan, 2012" />  

Due to its lack of interests in controls and engineering education on aerodynamics, the agency was limited to two projects as part of the Hatf program, and lost its credibility to KRL and DESTO.<ref name="Wisconsin Project">{{cite web|title=Pakistan Derives its First "Hatf" Missiles from Foreign Space Rocket|url=http://www.wisconsinproject.org/countries/pakistan/hatf.html|work=W|publisher=Wisconsin Project|access-date=21 September 2012|author=The Risk Report|page=4|date=8 October 1995|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726004525/http://www.wisconsinproject.org/countries/pakistan/hatf.html|archive-date=26 July 2012}}</ref>{{rp|236}}<ref name="Stanford University Press, Khan, 2012" /><ref name="Knowledge World in association with Centre for Air Power Studies">{{cite book|title=Space : the frontiers of modern defence |publisher=Knowledge World in association with Centre for Air Power Studies|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-8187966449|pages=133–199|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZBXL1i-n6UAC&pg=PA191|author=Kiran Krishan Nair|chapter=A Stiff Challenge: Pakistan and Space Race with India |date=1 December 2008}}</ref> As early as in 1995, the agency lost its major contract to private rocket engineering firm, the National Development Complex to design and develop the country's first space booster, ''[[Engineering:Shaheen-I|Shaheen-I]]''.<ref name="Knowledge World in association with Centre for Air Power Studies"/> The ''Shaheen'' program was built in close coordination with the {{wipe|Pakistan Air Force}} which oversaw its engine and launch pad development at the Sonmiani Flight Test Range<ref name="The News International, 1999">{{cite web |title=How 'Shaheen' Was Developed |url=https://fas.org/news/pakistan/1999/fbis-nes-1999-0422.htm |publisher=The News International, 1999 |author=Hanif Khalid |page=10 |date=19 April 1999 |access-date=7 October 2013}}</ref>

The agency maintained its ties with the {{wipe|United Kingdom}} and started to build another satellite project, [[Engineering:Badr-B|Badr-B]], which was completed with interaction between DESTO and the British [[Organization:Rutherford Appleton Laboratory|Rutherford Laboratory]] in 1994.<ref name="Federation of American Scientists (FAS)"/> Due to orbital crises and lack of funding, the satellite was not launched until in 2001 by {{wipe|Russia}} from Baikonur.<ref name="Federation of American Scientists (FAS)"/> Although the satellite was operated successfully, the agency lost its control within two years despite the design life of five years with no investigations that were conducted.<ref name="The Tribune Express (TEX)"/> Between 1993–94, the agency received negative publicity when it lost two orbital slots and was in risk of losing its priority slot if it did not launch its own satellite in 2003.<ref name="The Tribune Express (TEX)"/> In an view of securing the orbital slot, the agency entered in negotiation with the American firm, the Hughes Satellite Systems, to acquire its first geo-stationary satellite which was originally designed for Indonesia, and renamed the satellite as ''Paksat-1''.<ref name="The Tribune Express (TEX)"/>

===Foreign aid and cooperation===

In spite of the agency was brought under the [[Physics:National Command Authority (Pakistan)|National Command Authority]] with [[Physics:Strategic Plans Division Force|Strategic Plans Division]] (SPD) becoming its program manager in order to focus on "real development" in 2000,<ref name="Dawn Newspapers, 21st February, 2012">{{cite news |title=Suparco finds it hard to deal with local govt |url=http://dawn.com/2012/02/21/suparco-finds-it-hard-to-deal-with-local-govt/ |newspaper=Dawn Newspapers |date=21 February 2012 |author=Farva Kaukab |agency=Dawn News Group |location=Karachi, Sindh |page=1 |access-date=7 October 2013}}</ref> the Chinese cooperation and support to the agency remains vital to pursue the nation's space program.<ref name="Pakistan Tribune">{{cite news|last=Staff Correspondents|title=Musharraf outlines agenda for expediting Pak's space program|url=http://paktribune.com/news/Musharraf-outlines-agenda-for-expediting-Paks-space-program-92655.html|access-date=22 September 2012|newspaper=Pakistan Tribune|date=3 February 2005}}</ref> Despite the funding was made possible to construct the first geostationary satellite, the Paksat-1R, in 2004, it was the crucial Chinese cooperation in 2007 that made the project possible to be launched in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web
  | last =ARY News
  | title =Pakistan to launch satellite in 2011
  | work =ARY Digital Network
  | date = 27 December 2010<!-- 7:01:51 PM -->
  | url =http://www.arynews.tv/english/newsdetail.asp?nid=40535
  |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120313053920/http://www.arynews.tv/english/newsdetail.asp?nid=40535 |archive-date=2012-03-13 |access-date=7 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Staff report|title=Paksat-1R launch in China this week|url=http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/politics/08-Aug-2011/Paksat1R-launch-in-China-this-week|access-date=22 September 2012|newspaper=The Nation, 2011|date=11 August 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806155557/http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Politics/08-Aug-2011/Paksat1R-launch-in-China-this-week|archive-date=6 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Siddiqui|first=Salman|title=PAKSAT-1R: China launches Pakistan's 'first' communications satellite|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/229797/paksat-1r-china-launches-pakistans-first-communications-satellite/|access-date=22 September 2012|newspaper=Tribune Express|date=12 August 2011}}</ref><ref name="SUPARCO SAtellites">{{cite web|last=Suparco|title=PakSat-IR|url=https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:691Yohf8L5gJ:www.suparco.gov.pk/downloadables/02-PAKSAT-1R.pdf+paksat+1R+2005&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgQuZ-KbJ7WTzVC9AJ5o3dDoIO_PtxNTkJmjnNFDK_0aM_q1OFv3laoIgT8-cNryoZuVB99-PgclSy2eCHSi9OhXg7WGHAHJuVl9sxOOEJUAyv0vDZRE14XRbzQZvHATMk72kH4&sig=AHIEtbTKjzMXe4vJRXoxBJjvPHbE0q5I9g|publisher=SUPARCO SAtellites|access-date=22 September 2012|format=google docs}}</ref><ref name="chinaexim">{{cite news|title=China ExImbank provides further financing for Paksat project |url=https://connectivitybusiness.com/news/china-eximbank-provides-further-financing-paksat-project/ |publisher=Connectivity Business News |date=4 November 2010 |access-date=12 February 2023}}</ref><ref name="pakistantimes.net">{{cite web|url=http://pakistantimes.net/2005/02/04/top2.htm|title=Nothing found for 2005 02 04 Top2|access-date=18 September 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614061207/http://pakistantimes.net/2005/02/04/top2.htm|archive-date=14 June 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Dawn Newspapers">{{cite news|last=APP|title=Pakistan's first Communications Satellite PAKSAT-1R launched|url=http://dawn.com/2011/08/11/pakistans-first-communications-satellite-paksat-1r-launched/|access-date=22 September 2012|newspaper=Dawn Newspapers|date=11 August 2011}}</ref> Despite initiatives to make the agency more independent in 2012, it was reported that efforts were wasted and work suffered from failure due to lack of government interests in space program.<ref name="Dawn Newspapers, 21st February, 2012"/>

Because of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the agency received support from the Chinese government with two satellites, PakTES-1A and [[Engineering:Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite|PRSS-1]], were launched by China in 2018..<ref name="financialexpress.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/china-launches-two-remote-sensing-satellites-prss-1-paktes-1a-for-pakistan/1237132/|title = China successfully launches 2 remote sensing satellites PRSS-1, PakTES-1A for close ally Pakistan}}</ref> The PRSS-1 is Pakistan's first electro-optical satellite that is designed and built by the China Academy of Space Technology with agency controlling the satellites from satellite centers in Lahore and Karachi.<ref name="PRSS-1">{{cite web |title=Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite |url=https://suparco.gov.pk/major-programmes/projects/prss-1/ |access-date=22 October 2023}}</ref> While the PakTES-1A is an experimental satellite that is solely built by the SUPARCO.<ref name="financialexpress.com"/><ref name="dawn.com">{{cite web| url = https://www.dawn.com/news/1434638| title = Pakistan steps forward in astronomy and space sciences - Pakistan - DAWN.COM| date = 24 September 2018}}</ref>

Besides Chinese contribution, Russia also helped Pakistan to establish a Mission Control Center in Karachi  in 2009 to support their [[Organization:International Cospas-Sarsat Programme|International Cospas-Sarsat Programme]], which later receive more support from Russia in 2012.<ref name="SUPARCO-COSPAS">{{cite web|last=SUPARCO|title=Successful Commissioning of the upgraded COSPAS-SARSAT Mission Control Center in Pakistan|url=http://www.suparco.gov.pk/news/WEBSITE%20COSPAS.pdf|publisher=SUPARCO-COSPAS|access-date=23 September 2012|archive-date=17 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717051953/http://suparco.gov.pk/news/WEBSITE%20COSPAS.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=COSPAS-SARSAT |url=https://suparco.gov.pk/products-services/cospas-sarsat-satellite-aided-search-and-rescue-programme/ |access-date=22 October 2023}}</ref>

In 2019, the agency reached out to [[Organization:United Arab Emirates Space Agency|United Arab Emirates Space Agency]] to take part in the Global Space Congress for the first time held at [[Place:Abu Dhabi|Abu Dhabi]], where they held an exhibition on their satellite-related projects.<ref name=khaleej>{{Cite web|url=https://m.khaleejtimes.com/nation/dubai/pakistan-shows-interest-in-uaes-space-programme|title=Pakistan shows interest in UAE's space programme}}</ref>

==Facilities ==
The Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission is headquartered in Islamabad and maintains a satellite ground control station in Karachi.<ref name="Earth observation centers in Pakistan">{{cite web |title=Earth observation |url=https://suparco.gov.pk/major-programmes/space-technology-applications/earth-observation/ |access-date=22 October 2023}}</ref> The agency maintains a satellite manufacturing center in Lahore and technical support facility in Peshawar and Quetta.<ref name="Suparco, about" />

==Main projects==
{{Main|Chemistry:Solid-propellant rocket}}
===Rocket engines===

Since 1961, the Commission supported and led the early studies on [[Chemistry:Solid-propellant rocket|solid-propellant rocket]], which it succeeded in developing the [[Engineering:Rehbar-I|Rehbar-I]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suparco.gov.pk/|title=suparco website|access-date=18 September 2016|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402152438/http://suparco.gov.pk/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Rehbar-I rocket was a derivative based on the U.S. [[Engineering:Nike-Cajun|Nike-Cajun]], and continued its service until 1972.<ref name="Suparco, about" /> Despite leading the investigations on solid-fuel propellants, the Hatf Program only funded two projects to Commission, which were completed with national defense laboratories.<ref name="wisconsinproject.org"/>

In 1987, the military funded the Commission's design study on rocket engines for [[Engineering:Hatf-I|Hatf-I]], which was completed with the Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), the national defense laboratory of the Ministry of Defense.<ref name="wisconsinproject.org"/> In 1995, the Commission designed the rocket engine for the [[Engineering:Abdali-I|Abdali]] project, which was completed by the MoD's agency DESTO in 2004.<ref name="wisconsinproject.org"/>

Since 2000, the Commission receives military funding from the Pakistan Army to design and develop rocket engines for the [[Engineering:A-100 (multiple rocket launcher)|A-100]] and [[Engineering:A-100 (multiple rocket launcher)|A-200]] weapon system.<ref>{{cite web |title=MLRS for Army and Indigenous Capability |url=https://www.spslandforces.com/story/?id=625&h=MLRS-for-Army-and-Indigenous-Capability |website=www.spslandforces.com |access-date=22 October 2023 |language=en}}</ref> The Commission also conducted studies on rocket engines for the ''Shaheen'' program, only to lose contract to private rocket engineering firm who made the ''Shaheen'' program feasible based on their design.<ref name="Pakistan Finally Dropped the Other Shoe">{{Cite web
  | last =Global Security.org 
  | title =Pakistan's Shaheen-III? Space Booster development: Pakistan Finally Dropped the Other Shoe
  | publisher =Global Security.org
  | date =20 August 2009 
  | url =http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/world/pakistan/pakistan-shaheen-iii-space-booster.htm 
  |access-date=7 October 2013}}</ref>

== PakSAT program ==

The '''PakSAT program''' is a national satellite program of Commission that was conceived in 1979–80.{{rp|21-22}}<ref name="SUPARCO, 1988">{{cite book |title=Space Research in Pakistan |date=1988 |publisher=Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Committee (SUPARCO) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5c3aAAAAMAAJ&q=paksat%C2%A0 |access-date=22 October 2023 |language=en}}</ref> The program is envisioned to consist of two geostationary communication satellites– one operating in [[Astronomy:Geostationary orbit|orbit]] and other at [[Astronomy:Low Earth orbit|in-orbit spare]] to be stationed at 38°E and 41°E, respectively.{{rp|24}}<ref name="SUPARCO, 1988"/>

The PakSAT program is designed to develop the [[Engineering:Television receive-only|television receive-only]] (TVRO) terminals for the receptions of news, entertainment, and educational channels from direct broadcasting [[Astronomy:Satellite dish|satellite dishes]].<ref name="AIAA, Shahrokhi, 1990">{{cite book |last1=Shahrokhi |first1=F. |title=Progress In Astronautics and Aeronautics: Commercial Opportunities In Space |date=1990 |publisher=AIAA |isbn=978-1-60086-382-0 |language=en}}</ref> The official space policy is intend for civilian purposes only with focusing to develop the communication satellites for internet access and remote sensing satellites to address the climatic changes in the country.<ref name="Quwa">{{cite web | title=The Push to Boost Pakistan's Space Program | website=Quwa | date=2019-12-17 | url=https://quwa.org/2019/12/17/the-push-to-boost-pakistans-space-program-2/ | access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref><ref name="Asian Space">{{harnvb|Lele|2012|pp=49}}: "Pakistan has announced Space Programme 2040 a satellite development and launch programme with intention to replace the Badr programme with emphasis on development and launching of geostationary communication satellite"</ref><ref name="SUPARCO Press Release">{{cite web|last=SUPARCO|title=Successful Commissioning of the upgraded COSPAS-SARSAT Mission Control Center in Pakistan|url=http://www.suparco.gov.pk/news/WEBSITE%20COSPAS.pdf|work=Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission|publisher=SUPARCO Press Release|access-date=24 September 2012|archive-date=17 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717051953/http://suparco.gov.pk/news/WEBSITE%20COSPAS.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Despite the India's achievement in orbital sciences, the space exploration second to the missile program that remains to be prioritized due to national security issues.<ref name="Columbia University Press">{{cite book|last=Moltz|first=James Clay|title=Asia's Space Race: National Motivations, Regional Rivalries, and International Risks|publisher=Columbia University Press|location=New York|isbn=978-0-231-15688-2|pages=174–180|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qDHzklHooiYC&pg=PA174|year=2011|chapter=Pakistan in Space race}}</ref> Under the PakSAT program only two communication and two earth observation satellites are built by China as Commission's contractor.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.suparco.gov.pk/downloadables/PAKSAT%201R%20Press%20Release.pdf |title=Pakistan's First National Communication Satellite Launched Today|access-date=8 September 2019 |archive-date=31 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831224946/http://www.suparco.gov.pk/downloadables/PAKSAT%201R%20Press%20Release.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/229797/paksat-1r-china-launches-pakistans-first-communications-satellite/|title=PAKSAT-1R: China launches Pakistan's 'first' communications satellite|last=Tribune.com.pk|date=2011-08-12|website=The Express Tribune|language=en|access-date=2019-09-08}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ PakSAT Program<ref name="Taylor & Francis, Gangly & O'Donnell">{{cite book |last1=Ganguly |first1=Šumit |last2=O'Donnell |first2=Frank |title=Routledge Handbook of the International Relations of South Asia |date=28 October 2022 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-000-75552-7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dt-PEAAAQBAJ&dq=paksat%C2%A0&pg=PT595 |access-date=22 October 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
|-
! Satellite !! Mass and weight !!Satellite by type !! Launch agency !! Launch site !! Launch date !! Remarks and notes
|-
|[[Engineering:Badr-1|Badr-1]] || {{cvt|52|kg|lbs}} || [[Astronomy:Low Earth orbit|LEO]]/[[Astronomy:Communications satellite|COM]]|| [[Company:China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation|CASC]]|| Xichang in China || {{Start date|1990|07|16|df=yes}} || {{small|Built in coordinate with [[Organization:University of Surrey|University of Surrey]]}}
|-
| Paksat-1E || {{cvt|3000|kg|lbs}} || GEO || [[Company:Hughes Aircraft Company|Hughes]] ||Cape Canaveral in {{wipe|United States}} || {{Start date|1996|02|01|df=yes}}|| {{small|Built and owned by the [[Company:Boeing|Boeing]].}}
|-
| [[Engineering:Badr-B|Badr-B]] || {{cvt|68.5|kg|lbs}} || [[Astronomy:Earth observation satellite|EO]] || [[Company:Roscosmos|Roscosmos]] || Baikonur in Kazakhstan|| {{Start date|2001|12|12|df=yes}}|| {{small|Built in coordination with [[Organization:Rutherford Appleton Laboratory|Rutherford Laboratory]].}}
|-
| Paksat-1R || {{cvt|5515|kg|lbs}} || GEO || CACS || Xichang || {{Start date|2011|08|11|df=yes}} || {{small|Built and manufactured by China with Chinese funding}}
|-
| iCube-1 || {{cvt|1|kg|lbs}} || LEO || [[Organization:Institute of Space Technology|IST]] || Dombarovsky in Russia || {{Start date|2013|11|13|df=yes}} || {{small|Built and manufactured by Pakistan}}
|-
| Paksat-MM1 || {{cvt|4137|kg|lbs}} || GEO || Hughes || Cape Canaveral || {{Start date|2018|03|05|df=yes}} || {{small|Built and manufactured by Boeing}}
|-
|Pak-TES|| {{cvt|300|kg|lbs}} || LEO || [[Organization:China National Space Administration|CNSA]] || Jiuquan || {{Start date|2018|07|09|df=yes}} || {{small|Built and manufactured by SUPARCO}}
|-
|[[Engineering:Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite|PRSS-1]]|| {{cvt|300|kg|lbs}} || LEO || CNSA || Jiuquan || {{Start date|2018|07|09|df=yes}} || {{small|Jointly built and manufactured by China and Pakistan}}
|-
|[https://suparco.gov.pk/major-programmes/projects/paksat-mm1r/ Paksat-1MMR] || ''TBA'' || GEO || CNSA || ''TBA '' || Launch expected in 2024 || {{small|Built and manufactured by China with Chinese funding}}
|}

==Planetary sciences and scientific missions==
Every year, SUPARCO sponsors and organizes the World Space Week (WSW) to promote the understanding of the [[Earth:Earth science|Earth science]] all over the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=WSW Activities in Pakistan|url=http://www.suparco.gov.pk/pages/wsw-archives.asp|publisher=SUPARCO WSW|access-date=22 September 2012|archive-date=9 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120909003000/http://www.suparco.gov.pk/pages/wsw-archives.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref> SUPARCO works with a number of universities and research institutions to engage in research in observational astronomy and astrophysics.<ref name="suparco.gov.pk">{{cite web|url=http://www.suparco.gov.pk/iya2009-pak.html|title=International Year of Astronomy 2009 – Pakistan National Node|access-date=18 September 2016|archive-date=7 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207142906/http://www.suparco.gov.pk/iya2009-pak.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Organization:Institute of Space and Planetary Astrophysics|Institute of Space and Planetary Astrophysics]] (ISPA) of the Karachi University conducts key research and co-sponsors with international level research programs in [[Physics:Astrophysics|astrophysics]], with joint ventures of SUPARCO.<ref name="Institute of Space and Planetary Astrophysics">{{cite web|title=Institute of Space and Planetary Astrophysics|url=http://www.uok.edu.pk/research_institutes/ispa/index.php|access-date=22 September 2012}}</ref>

SUPARCO continuous development of the space program, with particular focus on indigenous, self-reliance and introduction of the state-of-the-art technologies, SUPARCO also offers its services to the private sector consortium to satisfy the industrial and environmental needs and to support economic competitiveness.<ref>{{cite web|title=Services to Private industrial sector|url=http://www.suparco.gov.pk/pages/products-services.asp|publisher=SUPARCO|access-date=4 October 2012|archive-date=20 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920005036/http://www.suparco.gov.pk/pages/products-services.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref>

SUPARCO operates a national balloon launching facility in Karachi to conduct studies in atmospheric sciences to determine the vertical profile of ozone up to 30–35&nbsp;km.<ref name="Karachi Ionospheric Station">{{cite web|title=Space and Atmospheric Research|url=http://www.suparco.gov.pk/pages/atmospheric-research.asp|work=SUPARCO|publisher=Karachi Ionospheric Station|access-date=4 October 2012|archive-date=17 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717021332/http://suparco.gov.pk/pages/atmospheric-research.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref> This balloon sounding facility has been extensively used for carrying out research in better understanding of the [[Physics:Meteorology|meteorology]] and how the ozone layer vary seasonally  in the stratosphere and troposphere.<ref name="Karachi Ionospheric Station"/> The Ionospheric Station at Karachi operates a Lonosonde observation facility, and recently the balloon flight mission was carried out by the station on 16 January 2004, up to an altitude of about 36&nbsp;km to measure the vertical profile of the [[Chemistry:Ozone|O<sub>3</sub>]] trends.<ref name="Karachi Ionospheric Station"/> The maximum O<sub>3</sub> observed 12.65 mPa at 27&nbsp;km.<ref name="Karachi Ionospheric Station"/> One of the most notable mission of SUPARCO is its [[Astronomy:Lunar prediction program of SUPARCO|Lunar program]] that conducts observational studies on the activity of Lunar phases and distributes its publications within the public domain.<ref>See :Lunar prediction program</ref>

===Research facilities===
{| border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center"
! Facility !! Location !! Description
|-
| [[Organization:Institute of Space Technology|Institute of Space Technology]] || [[Place:Islamabad|Islamabad]] || a research and development facility. The IST was established and founded by the government of United Kingdom. [[Organization:Institute of Space Technology|Institute of Space Technology]] offers degree programs in Aerospace Engineering, Communication systems engineering, Material Engineering, Space Sciences and Mechanical Engineering.
|-
| SUPARCO Institute of Technical Training (SITT) || [[Place:Karachi|Karachi]] || a teaching and technical training facility. SUPARCO Institute of Technical Training (SITT) offers diploma programs in Mechanical and Electronics Technology.
|-
| [[Organization:Institute of Space and Planetary Astrophysics|Institute of Space and Planetary Astrophysics]] (ISPA)|| Karachi University || ISPA is the nations leading and one of the oldest astronomical facility that was built and constructed by the United States. The ISPA is responsible for space and planetary science research.<ref name="suparco.gov.pk"/> A number of foreign scientists have used and research the ISPA facility where they published numerous articles in the field of space sciences.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suparco.gov.pk/pages/wsw08-kar.asp|title=WSW 2008 Celebrations in Karachi|access-date=18 September 2016|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303194058/http://suparco.gov.pk/pages/wsw08-kar.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref> The ISPA has also a powerful telescope and astronomical observatory which was last provided by the United States Government in the late 1950s.<ref name="suparco.gov.pk"/>
|-
| Department of Space Science || University of Punjab || The facility carries out a wide variety of research programs in the field of [[Physics:Solar physics|solar physics]], [[Physics:Plasma physics|plasma physics]], [[Physics:Astrophysics|astrophysics]], [[Earth:Remote sensing|remote sensing]] and [[Astronomy:Planetary science|planetary science]]s.<ref name="suparco.gov.pk"/> The Department of Space Science has a small astronomical observatory. It is the oldest astronomical observatory in the country and has remained a center of learning for more than 75 years.
|-
|}

==Functions==
=== Revitalisation and research program of SUPARCO ===
In 2005, then-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. Musharraf had made it clear that:

{{cquote|"Pakistan would need to catch up to the world space leaders and make up for lost time and neglect in the past and future"<ref name="pakistantimes.net"/>}}
In his book, In the Line of Fire: A Memoir, Musharraf has expressed his desire that "SUPARCO has suffered severe economic and global sanctions but in future Pakistan will send its satellites from its soil". 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, [[Earth:Remote sensing|remote sensing]] [[Astronomy:Satellite|satellite]]s and satellite launch vehicles, with the objective of bringing rapid growth and socio-economic development in the fields of education, [[Astronomy:Astronomy|astronomy]], [[Astronomy:Cosmology|cosmology]], exobiology, stellar science, [[Astronomy:Planetary science|planetary science]], planets, extrasolar planet, [[Astronomy:Dwarf planet|dwarf planet]]s, comets, asteroids, [[Physics:Astrophysics|astrophysics]], [[Astronomy:Astrobiology|astrobiology]], [[Chemistry:Astrochemistry|astrochemistry]], [[Engineering:Aerospace engineering|aerospace engineering]], [[Engineering:Rocket|rocket]] propellent [[Engineering:Engineering|engineering]], [[Engineering:Information technology|information technology]], [[Biology:Communication|communication]]s, [[Earth:Agriculture|agriculture]] sector, mineral excavation and [[Physics:Atmospheric science|atmospheric science]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suparco.gov.pk/pages/atmospheric-research.asp|title=Atmospheric Research|access-date=18 September 2016|archive-date=23 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223105247/http://suparco.gov.pk/pages/atmospheric-research.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=92655|title=Pakistan-India to raise IHK, Baloch issue in UN|access-date=18 September 2016|archive-date=16 March 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060316224433/http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=92655|url-status=dead}}</ref>

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

===Astronomy and astrophysics program===
The '''Astronomy and Astrophysics program''' (or '''SUPARCO Astrophysics program'''), is an active scientific mission of the Space Research Commission (SUPARCO), dedicated for the development of [[Astronomy:Space science|space science]].<ref name="SUPARCO1">{{cite journal|last=SUPARCO|display-authors=0|title=Our Sky (first introduction)|journal=SUPARCO Astronomy & Astrophysics Bulletin|date=January 2012|volume=1|issue=1|pages=1–6|url=http://www.suparco.gov.pk/downloadables/news_letter_january.pdf|access-date=29 September 2012|archive-date=12 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512133714/http://suparco.gov.pk/downloadables/news_letter_january.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>  The program's mainstream objective and aim is to conduct research studies for the advancement and better understanding of the [[Physics:Theoretical physics|theoretical physics]], [[Astronomy:Astronomy|astronomy]], [[Physics:Astrophysics|astrophysics]], and mathematics involving the [[Three-dimensional space|three-dimensional]] [[Astronomy:Universe|universal]] space and time.<ref name="SUPARCO1"/>

Launched and established in January 2012, the program takes scientific and research studies pertaining to [[Physics:Quantum mechanics|quantum mechanics]], [[Astronomy:Outer space|deep space]] objects, [[Astronomy:Dark matter|dark matter]] and [[Astronomy:Dark energy|energy]], [[Astronomy:Supernova|supernova]], nebulae and galaxies mentioned in the Big bang theory. Under its new{{when|date=December 2013}} designated official space policy which was approved by the Prime minister of Pakistan Yousaf Raza Gillani, the programs inter-alia cohesively included the augmentation and strengthening of the understanding of physics and mathematics in the country, as part of the scientific mission of Suparco.<ref name="SUPARCO1"/>

The program is promoted in the public circles through an academic bulletin which was launched on 2 January 2012 by Suparco.<ref name="Daily Times, Pakistan">{{cite news|last=Front News Desk|title=SUPARCO to launch astronomy bulletin|url=http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012\01\03\story_3-1-2012_pg11_5|access-date=29 September 2012|newspaper=Daily Times, Pakistan|date=3 January 2012}}</ref>  The program is intended to provide initial and better understanding of space and astronomy and to create awareness among professionals, amateur astronomers, educators, students and public at large about the progress made in this field through technological innovations.<ref name="Daily Times, Pakistan"/> The program was launched with the Space program 2040 (an official space policy of Government of Pakistan) after being approved by the Prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani to enhance the separate astronomy and astrophysics programmes of SUPARCO, under one programme. This program is mainly focused on theoretical and observational research while collaborating with major space agencies in the world.<ref name="Brecorder online"/> The genesis of this program traced back to 2009 after Suparco publicly celebrated the International Year of Astronomy which was widely appreciated by the public.<ref name="SUPARCO Space awareness division">{{cite web|last=Suparco|title=International Year of Astronomy|url=http://www.suparco.gov.pk/pages/iya2009.asp?iyalinkid=2|publisher=SUPARCO Space awareness division|access-date=29 September 2012|archive-date=1 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101151629/http://suparco.gov.pk/pages/iya2009.asp?iyalinkid=2|url-status=dead}}</ref>  Since then, Suparco managed and helds the World Space Week events and functions all over the country to educate the public circles in the notable areas of interest of astrophysics.<ref name="Suparco Space Science division">{{cite web|title=World Space Week 2012 i|url=http://www.suparco.gov.pk/pages/wsw.asp?wswlinkid=2|publisher=Suparco Space Science division|access-date=29 September 2012|archive-date=1 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101152336/http://suparco.gov.pk/pages/wsw.asp?wswlinkid=2|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Currently, Suparco is planning to established its own version astronomical observatory, apart from the control of the universities and institutions, to conduct furthermore theoretical research in astrophysics and mathematics.<ref name="Brecorder online">{{cite news|last=Iqbal|first=Muhammad|title=SUPARCO will launch astrophysics bulletin|url=http://www.brecorder.com/pakistan/general-news/40946-suparco-will-launch-astrophysics-bulletin.html|access-date=29 September 2012|newspaper=Brecorder online|date=2 January 2012 <!-- 17:42 --> }}</ref> On monthly basis, Suparco through its bulletin covers the research events and book reviews as well as work being carried out at SUPARCO under this program.<ref name="Daily Times, Pakistan"/><ref name="Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission">{{cite web|title=SUPARCO Astrophysics Program|url=http://www.suparco.gov.pk/pages/astronomy-bulletin.asp|work=Government of Pakistan|publisher=Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission|access-date=29 September 2012|archive-date=15 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815010728/http://www.suparco.gov.pk/pages/astronomy-bulletin.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In January 2012, the program was launched its publishing its first publication in its bulletin.<ref name="SUPARCO1"/> The first publication under this program included the research on [[Earth:Upper atmosphere|upper atmosphere]], software development relating the space technology, [[Physics:Lunar theory|Lunar theory]], [[Astronomy:Lunar eclipse|Lunar eclipse]] [[Astronomy:Quadrantids|Quadrantids]] and the asteroids.<ref name="SUPARCO1"/> Since its establishment, a total of nine important publications has been released under the auspicious of this program with the last volume was issued in September 2012.<ref name="The Astrophysics Program">{{cite web|last=Zareen|first=Rizla|title=The Astronomy and Astrophysics Program|url=http://www.suparco.gov.pk/pages/astronomy-bulletin.asp|publisher=The Astrophysics Program|access-date=28 July 2017|archive-date=29 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729002438/http://www.suparco.gov.pk/pages/astronomy-bulletin.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Other specific programs and missions===
* Scientific [[Astronomy:Space research|space research]]
* [[Earth:Remote sensing|Remote sensing]] of [[Astronomy:Earth|Earth]]
* Satellite telecommunication systems
* Geographic Information System
* Natural Resource [[Engineering:Surveying|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 defence
* Development of research, test and production base of the space sector

==Chairmen of SUPARCO==
{| class="wikitable"
! Number
! Name
! Term Started
!Term Ended
!Alma Mater
! Field(s)
! Educational Background
|-
|0
| Dr [[Biography:Abdus Salam|Abdus Salam]]
| 1961
| 1967
| Imperial College, London
University of the Punjab, Lahore
| Theoretical Physics
| [[Social:Doctor of Philosophy|Doctor of Philosophy]] (PhD)
|-
| 1
| [https://www.dawn.com/news/636995/dr-i-h-usmani Dr Ishrat Usmani] Co- Chairman
| 1961
| 1967
| Imperial College, London
| ICS
| PhD
|-
|2
|Air Cdre. Turowicz
|1967
|1969
|Warsaw University
|Aeronautical Engineering
|Graduate
|-
| 3
| Air Commodore K. M. Ahmad
| 1969
| 1973
| Pakistan Air Force Academy
| Aeronautical Engineering
| Graduate
|-
| 4
| [[Biography:Salim Mehmud|Salim Mehmud]]
| 1980
| 1989
| Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education and [[Organization:Oak Ridge National Laboratory|Oak Ridge National Laboratory]]
| Nuclear Engineering, [[Electrical engineering]], [[Physics:Physics|Physics]], [[Mathematics]], Electronics engineering
| Masters
|-
|5
| Dr M. Shafi Ahmad
| 1989
|1990
| University of London
| [[Astronomy:Astronomy|Astronomy]]
| PhD
|-
| 6
| Engr. Sikandar Zaman
| 1990
| 1997
| [[Organization:University of Leeds|University of Michigan]]
| Mechanical / Aeronautical Engineering
| Masters
|-
| 7
| Dr Abdul Majid
| 1997
| 2001
| University of Wales
| [[Physics:Astrophysics|Astrophysics]]
| PhD
|-
| 8
| Major General Raza Hussain
| 2001
| 2010
| Pakistan Army Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
| Electrical Engineering
| BS
|-
| 9
| Major General Ahmed Bilal
| 2010
|2016
| Pakistan Army Corps of Signals Engineering
| Computer Engineering
| Master of Science (MS)
|-
|10
| Major General Qaiser Anees Khurram
| 2016
|2018
| Pakistan Army Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
| Mechanical Engineering
| BS
|-
|11
|Major General Amer Nadeem
|2018
|2023
|Pakistan Army Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
|Aeronautical Engineering
|BS
|-
|12
|Mohammad Yusuf Khan
|2023
|2025
|University of the Peshawar, Peshawar
|Master of Science
|MS
|}

==International cooperation==
===People's Republic of China===
In August 2006, People's Republic of China signed an agreement with Pakistan to conduct joint research in space technology and committed to work with Pakistan to launch three Earth-weather satellites over the next five years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/ID26Df01.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070503002933/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/ID26Df01.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 May 2007|title=Asia Times Online :: South Asia news – China, Pakistan cooperate in space|first=Asia Time|last=Online|access-date=18 September 2016}}</ref> In May 2007, China (as a strategic partner) publicly signed an agreement with Pakistan to enhance cooperation in the areas of space science and technology. The Pakistan-China bilateral cooperation in the space industry span a broad spectrum, including climate science, clean energy technologies, [[Physics:Atmospheric science|atmospheric]] and [[Earth:Earth science|earth science]]s, and marine sciences. On the occasion of Chinese launch of PakSat-1R, Pakistan's ambassador to China expressed the natural desire of Pakistan for China to send a first officially designated Pakistan astronaut to space aboard a Chinese spacecraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Politics/08-Aug-2011/Paksat1R-launch-in-China-this-week|title=Paksat-1R launch in China this week|access-date=18 September 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927000844/http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/politics/08-Aug-2011/Paksat1R-launch-in-China-this-week|archive-date=27 September 2013}}</ref>

===Turkey===
In December 2006, Turkey showed interest to form a joint-venture with [[Organization:Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization|Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization]] where Pakistan is a member.<ref name="Chen">{{cite news|url=http://www.pakistantimes.net/2006/06/22/top3.htm |title=Turkey joins Pakistan, China in joint efforts for Space Technology|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616055744/http://www.pakistantimes.net/2006/06/22/top3.htm |archive-date=16 June 2008|access-date=29 December 2010|first=Ruth|last=Chen|publisher=Pakistan Times}}</ref> In 2006, Turkish minister of science, accompanied by the Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan, signed the [[Finance:Memorandum of understanding|Memorandum of understanding]] (MOU) with Pakistan to form a joint-venture with Pakistan in the development of satellite technology.<ref name="Chen" /> The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey and [[Company:Turkish Aerospace Industries|Turkish Aerospace Industries]]'s senior ranking officials and representative signed a separate accord with the SUPARCO to enhance the cooperation in the satellite development program.<ref name="Chen" />

===United Arab Emirates===
In March 2019, SUPARCO took part in the Global Space Congress for the first time held at [[Place:Abu Dhabi|Abu Dhabi]], where they held an exhibition on their satellite-related projects {{when|date=May 2021}}.<ref name=khaleej />

===International collaboration and MoU===
Invited by [[Place:Soviet Union|Soviet Union]], Suparco joined the [[Organization:International Cospas-Sarsat Programme|COSPAS-SARSAT program]] in 1990, after receiving the approval of the Government of Pakistan.<ref name="SUPARCO-COSPAS-SARSAT Program">{{cite web|last=SUPARCO-COSPAS-SARSAT Program|title=Search & Rescu|url=http://www.suparco.gov.pk/pages/search-rescue.asp|publisher=SUPARCO-COSPAS-SARSAT Program|access-date=4 October 2012|archive-date=3 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703035558/http://suparco.gov.pk/pages/search-rescue.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref> Since 1990, Suparco has been controlling and hosting many Soviet-Russian COSPAS-SARSAT satellites.<ref name="SUPARCO-COSPAS-SARSAT Program"/> The Pakistan Mission Control Center in Karachi serves as headquarter of the region to control the Cospas satellites, and over the years Suparco has emerged as lead agency to provide ground and satellite transmissions to Cospas-Sarsat program.<ref name="SUPARCO-COSPAS-SARSAT Program"/> Pakistan is also a member of the [[Organization:Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization|Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization]] (APSCO).<ref>[http://www.apsco.int/member.aspx APSCO Member States] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100622062836/http://www.apsco.int/member.aspx |date=22 June 2010 }}. Retrieved 29 December 2010.</ref> SUPARCO and the Department of Space have signed formal Memorandum of Understanding agreements with a number of foreign political entities{{cn|date=September 2023}}:
{{div col|colwidth=18em}}
*{{ALG}}
*{{ARG}}
*{{BAN}}
*{{CHN}}
*{{FRA}}
*{{DEU}}
*{{IDN}}
*{{IRN}}
*{{ITA}}
*{{KOR}}
*{{MNG}}
*{{NGA}}
*{{PER}}
*{{PHI}}
*{{RUS}}
*{{THA}}
*{{TUR}}
*{{UKR}}
*{{UK}}
{{div col end}}

==See also==
* [[Astronomy:List of government space agencies|List of government space agencies]]
* [[Engineering:Chronology of Pakistan's rocket tests|Suparco's spaceflight missions and tests]]
* Suparco Space programme 2040
* Jinnah Antarctic Station
* [[Astronomy:Indian Space Research Organisation|Indian Space Research Organisation]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Sources==
{{refbegin|40em}}
* {{cite book|last=Lele|first=Ajey|title=Asian Space Race: Rhetoric or Reality|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b5niU_drLaAC&q=suparco&pg=PA45|year=2012|publisher=[[Company:Springer Science+Business Media|Springer press]], Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses|isbn=9788132207337|access-date=2020-11-21}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110622100656/http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3927488686022979715 CNBC Pakistan televised Interview with Salim Mehmud – Chairman SUPARCO]-Available in [[Social:Urdu|Urdu]] language
* [http://www.SUPARCO.gov.pk/index.asp Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730000351/http://www.suparco.gov.pk/index.asp |date=30 July 2020 }}
* [https://fas.org/spp/guide/pakistan/agency/ FAS report on SUPARCO] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711123246/http://fas.org/spp/guide/pakistan/agency/ |date=11 July 2016 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20121005035609/http://astronautix.com/country/pakistan.htm Astronautix]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090624191803/http://www.b14643.de/Spacerockets_1/Rest_World/Shaheen%20LV/Description/Frame.htm Shaheen- PSLV]

{{Public sector space agencies}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Space And Upper Atmosphere Research Commission}}
[[Category:Space agencies]]
[[Category:Space organizations]]
[[Category:International research institutes]]
[[Category:Space research]]
[[Category:Space technology research institutes]]

{{Sourceattribution|Space &amp; Upper Atmosphere Research Commission}}