Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission

Infobox Government agency
agency_name = Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission
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formed = September 16, 1961
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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 [ [http://www.suparco.gov.pk/pages/history.asp History of SUPARCO] ] . 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).

History

Rehbar I and II

On June 7, 1962 at 19:53 hours (PST) Rehbar-I was successfully launched from Sonmiani. It soared to about 130 km into the atmosphere, making Pakistan the third country in Asia and the 10th 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. [http://www.SUPARCO.gov.pk ::. Welcome to SUPARCO - The National Space Agency of Pakistan]

21st Century

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.

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. [ [http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=92655 Pakistan News Service - PakTribune ] ]

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

International Cooperation

China

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. [ [http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/ID26Df01.html Asia Times Online :: South Asia news - China, Pakistan cooperate in space ] ]

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

See also

* Chronology of Pakistan's rocket tests
* Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission

References

External links

* [http://www.SUPARCO.gov.pk/index.asp Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO)]
* [http://www.fas.org/spp/guide/pakistan/agency/ FAS report on SUPARCO]
* [http://www.astronautix.com/country/pakistan.htm Astronautix]