Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission facts for kids

Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission

خلائی و بالائے فضائی تحقیقاتی مأموریہ
SUPARCO Rear-headquarters in Karachi, Sindh
Agency overview
Abbreviation	SUPARCO
Formed	1961 - Karachi
Type	Space agency
Status	Active
Headquarters	Islamabad-45900, Pakistan
Chairman	Muhammad Yusuf Khan
Key people	Dr. Abdus Salam Dr. Abdul Majid Dr. Salim Mehmud
Owner	National Command Authority (NCA)
Employees	Classified
Annual budget	₨7.3951 billion (US$46.16 million) (2022–23)

The Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, also known as SUPARCO, is Pakistan's national space agency. It is part of the Government of Pakistan and is in charge of all space-related activities.

SUPARCO was started in 1961 in Karachi. Its first goal was to learn about rockets and study the upper atmosphere. The United States helped them with this. Later, SUPARCO worked on creating its own satellite program. In 1990, they launched Pakistan's first satellite from China. SUPARCO also took part in early rocket development programs supported by Pakistan's Ministry of Defence.

Today, SUPARCO leads Pakistan's satellite program. It manages its satellites in orbit with help from facilities across the country. Some people in Pakistan have criticized SUPARCO for not being as advanced as the space agencies in India or China. Both India and China can launch their own satellites, even though SUPARCO was created earlier.

History of SUPARCO

How SUPARCO Started

At first, Pakistan's government ministries were not very interested in funding a space program. This was even though the United States offered help. In 1957, only the University of the Punjab was doing research in aeronautics. This changed after the Soviet Union launched its first satellite, Sputnik 1.

In 1961, during the Apollo program, Abdus Salam saw a chance for Pakistan to start its own space program. The American space agency, NASA, needed scientific data from the upper atmosphere. So, NASA invited countries like India and Pakistan to join their studies. Engineers from the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) went to the Wallops Flight Facility in the US to learn about rockets. Abdus Salam worked to get approval for a space commission from the government.

A commission was set up in 1961 to study the upper atmosphere and rockets. Abdus Salam and Ishrat Usmani led it. Nuclear engineers from PAEC, Tariq Mustafa and Salim Mehmud, were its first members. This commission was the first in the Muslim world to start space studies. It was named the "Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission" on September 16, 1961.

Early Research and Launches

SUPARCO, under Abdus Salam, focused on learning rocket engineering. France and the United States helped them. This made Pakistan the first country in South Asia to start a space program. A Flight Test Range was built in Sonmiani, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) west of Karachi. Here, they launched sounding rockets.

On July 7, 1962, SUPARCO launched its first rocket, called "Rehbar-I". It went up 80 miles (129 km) into space. The United States supported this program. Until 1972, the US trained Pakistani engineers at the Goddard Space Flight Center. In 1973, SUPARCO set up ground stations in Karachi and Lahore for satellite navigation. Apollo 17 astronauts even visited them. The Islamabad Ionospheric Station was built at Quaid-e-Azam University in 1973. A Landsat ground station was also set up near Lahore.

Funding and Support Changes

After 1972, SUPARCO lost funding from the United States. The US stopped supporting upper atmosphere studies. Also, after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the space program got less money. The nuclear weapons program became the top priority for military funding. Many engineers from SUPARCO, who had nuclear engineering backgrounds, were moved to the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission. The Pakistan Air Force also stopped supporting the Rehbar rocket program.

In 1975, India launched its first satellite, Aryabhata, from Russia. After this, SUPARCO started pushing to build Pakistan's first satellite. They wanted to catch up to India in space. In 1981, SUPARCO was reorganized. It became an independent federal agency of the government. An executive committee was formed. It oversaw the funding for Pakistan's satellite program, called "PakSat."

The Pakistan Amateur Radio Society (PRS) and the University of Surrey in England helped SUPARCO. Pakistani scientists studied satellite engineering in the UK. They helped build the UoSAT-1 and UO-11 satellites, which launched in 1984. The funding for communication satellites was mainly for military use, not just space exploration. These satellites were also meant to help launch new Pakistani media channels. A 10-meter (33 ft) ground station was expanded in Lahore in 1983. In 1983, SUPARCO began building Pakistan's first satellite, named Badr-1 (meaning Moon). Pakistan tried to launch it with the US in 1986, but China eventually helped launch it in 1990.

Challenges and New Satellites

The Pakistan Mission Control Center (PMCC) helps control LEOSAR satellites. This is done with help from Russia, France, and other countries in the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme.

In 1987, SUPARCO got military support when India's missile program became known. The Hatf program (meaning Target) was launched in response. The Army GHQ wanted SUPARCO to lead this program. However, SUPARCO only completed two missile projects: Hatf-I with Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) and Abdali program with DESTO. Other defense laboratories proved to be better at building rocket engines and control systems.

Because SUPARCO had less interest in control systems and aerodynamics, it focused on other areas. In 1995, SUPARCO lost a big contract to a private company, the National Development Complex. This company designed and built Pakistan's first space booster, Shaheen-I. The Shaheen program was built with the Pakistan Air Force.

SUPARCO kept its connections with the United Kingdom. They started building another satellite project, Badr-B. This was done with help from DESTO and the British Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. Due to problems with orbital slots and funding, Badr-B was not launched until 2001 by Russia from Baikonur. The satellite worked well, but SUPARCO lost control of it within two years, even though it was designed to last five years.

Between 1993 and 1994, SUPARCO faced problems. It lost two orbital slots and was at risk of losing another if it didn't launch a satellite by 2003. To keep its orbital slot, SUPARCO worked with an American company, Hughes Satellite Systems. They bought a geostationary satellite that was originally for Indonesia. It was renamed Paksat-1.

Help from Other Countries

In 2000, SUPARCO was placed under the National Command Authority. This was to help it focus on "real development." However, China's help and support have been very important for Pakistan's space program. In 2004, funding was available to build the first geostationary satellite, the Paksat-1R. But it was China's help in 2007 that made it possible to launch this project in 2011. Even though there were efforts to make SUPARCO more independent in 2012, reports said these efforts failed because the government wasn't interested enough.

Thanks to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, China helped SUPARCO launch two satellites in 2018: PakTES-1A and PRSS-1. The PRSS-1 is Pakistan's first electro-optical satellite. It was designed and built by the China Academy of Space Technology. SUPARCO controls these satellites from centers in Lahore and Karachi. The PakTES-1A is an experimental satellite built only by SUPARCO.

Besides China, Russia also helped Pakistan. In 2009, Russia helped set up a Mission Control Center in Karachi. This center supports their International Cospas-Sarsat Programme. Russia gave more support in 2012.

In 2019, SUPARCO attended the Global Space Congress in Abu Dhabi for the first time. They showed their satellite projects there.

SUPARCO also sent its first lunar orbiter, called ICUBE-Q, with China's CNSA and their Chang'e 6 mission.

What SUPARCO Does

In 2005, then-President Pervez Musharraf shared his goals for SUPARCO. He wanted the agency to catch up with other space leaders quickly. He said that SUPARCO had faced many challenges, but Pakistan would launch its own satellites from its own land in the future. His main goals were to make SUPARCO stronger, better organized, and more modern. He wanted it to be as good as other space agencies worldwide.

Here are the main things SUPARCO does:

Space Technology Development

• They research and develop communication satellites. These satellites help with secure and reliable communication.
• They create remote sensing satellites. These satellites observe Earth and collect data for things like agriculture and disaster management.
• They build launch vehicles (rockets) to send satellites into space.

Scientific Advancement

• They support research in astronomy, planetary science, and astrophysics. This helps us understand the universe better.
• They contribute to fields like exobiology (studying life beyond Earth) and astrochemistry (studying chemicals in space).

Benefits for Society and Economy

• They use space technology for farming, finding natural resources, managing disasters, and monitoring the environment.
• They help improve information technology and communication systems.

National Security and Defense

• They develop space tools important for national security. This can include military communication and surveillance.

Working with Other Countries

• They work with other space agencies and international groups. This helps them share knowledge and work together on space projects.

SUPARCO Facilities

SUPARCO's main office is in Islamabad. It has a satellite ground control station in Karachi. There's also a satellite manufacturing center in Lahore and technical support facilities in Peshawar and Quetta.

SUPARCO Projects

Rocket Engines

Since 1961, SUPARCO has studied solid-propellant rockets. They successfully developed the Rehbar-I rocket. This rocket was based on the US Nike-Cajun and was used until 1972. Although SUPARCO led research on solid-fuel rockets, the Hatf Program only funded two projects for them. These were completed with other national defense laboratories.

In 1987, the military funded SUPARCO's work on rocket engines for the Hatf-I missile. This was done with the Khan Research Laboratories (KRL). In 1995, SUPARCO designed the rocket engine for the Abdali project, which DESTO completed in 2004. SUPARCO also studied rocket engines for the Shaheen program.

PakSat Program

The PakSat program is SUPARCO's national satellite program. It started around 1979–80. The plan is to have two geostationary communication satellites. One will be in orbit, and the other will be a backup.

The PakSat program aims to develop systems for receiving TV, entertainment, and educational channels directly from satellites. Pakistan's official space policy focuses on peaceful uses. It aims to develop communication satellites for internet access and remote sensing satellites to help with climate change issues.

Even though India has made progress in space, Pakistan's missile program is still a higher priority due to national security. Under the PakSat program, China has built two communication and two Earth observation satellites for SUPARCO.

Planetary Sciences and Scientific Missions

Every year, SUPARCO organizes World Space Week (WSW) to help people understand Earth science better. SUPARCO works with universities and research groups to study observational astronomy and astrophysics. The Institute of Space and Planetary Astrophysics (ISPA) at Karachi University does important research in astrophysics with SUPARCO.

SUPARCO focuses on developing its space program using its own resources and new technologies. It also offers services to private companies to help with industrial and environmental needs.

SUPARCO has a balloon launching facility in Karachi. They use balloons to study the atmosphere and measure the amount of ozone up to 30–35 kilometers (19–22 miles). This helps them understand meteorology and how the ozone layer changes. The Ionospheric Station in Karachi also studies the ionosphere. On January 16, 2004, they launched a balloon to measure ozone trends up to 36 kilometers (22 miles). One of SUPARCO's important missions is its Lunar program. It studies the phases of the Moon and shares its findings with the public.

Astronomy and Astrophysics Program

The SUPARCO Astrophysics program is a scientific mission focused on developing space science. Its main goal is to research and better understand theoretical physics, astronomy, astrophysics, and mathematics related to the three-dimensional universal space and time.

SUPARCO's Space Program 2040, started in 2012, includes astronomy and astrophysics research. This program explores topics like quantum mechanics, deep space objects, dark matter, supernovae, nebulae, and galaxies. It also aims to improve public understanding of physics and mathematics through educational activities. These include academic bulletins and public events celebrating astronomy milestones. This program works with international space agencies. It builds on public interest that grew after SUPARCO celebrated the International Year of Astronomy in 2009. Since then, SUPARCO has held World Space Week events across the country to teach people about astrophysics.

SUPARCO plans to build its own astronomical observatory, separate from universities. This will help them do more theoretical research in astrophysics and mathematics. Every month, SUPARCO publishes a bulletin about research events and work done under this program. Nine important publications have been released under this program, with the last one in September 2012.

Geomagnetic Field Monitoring Program

SUPARCO runs the Geomagnetic Field Monitoring Program. This scientific mission studies geomagnetism. It aims to improve our understanding of Earth's magnetic field and its dangers. They monitor changes in the geomagnetic field in South Asia using observatories in Islamabad and Karachi. The data collected helps with studies of Earth's magnetic field and is shared with other organizations. The program started in 1983 at the Sonmiani space facility. A second observatory was added in 2008. SUPARCO regularly releases public bulletins with geomagnetic data and research on how solar flares and magnetic storms affect Earth.

Other Specific Programs

• Scientific space research
• Remote sensing of Earth
• Satellite telecommunication systems
• Geographic Information System
• Natural Resource Surveying
• Environmental monitoring
• Collecting data for atmospheric and weather studies
• Developing ground facilities for navigation and special information systems
• Building research, testing, and production facilities for the space sector

Leadership at SUPARCO

Working with Other Countries

China

In August 2006, People's Republic of China and Pakistan signed an agreement. They agreed to do joint research in space technology. China also promised to help Pakistan launch three Earth-weather satellites over the next five years. In May 2007, China and Pakistan signed another agreement to work more closely in space science and technology. This cooperation covers many areas, including climate science, clean energy technologies, atmospheric and Earth sciences, and marine sciences. Pakistan's ambassador to China has also expressed a wish for China to send the first official Pakistani astronaut into space on a Chinese spacecraft.

Turkey

In December 2006, Turkey showed interest in working with the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization, where Pakistan is a member. In 2006, Turkey's science minister and ambassador signed an agreement with Pakistan. They agreed to work together on developing satellite technology. Officials from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey and Turkish Aerospace Industries also signed a separate agreement with SUPARCO. This was to improve cooperation in satellite development.

United Arab Emirates

In March 2019, SUPARCO participated in the Global Space Congress in Abu Dhabi for the first time. They displayed their satellite projects there.

International Cooperation and Agreements

The Soviet Union invited SUPARCO to join the COSPAS-SARSAT program in 1990. Pakistan's government approved this. Since 1990, SUPARCO has controlled and hosted many Soviet-Russian COSPAS-SARSAT satellites. The Pakistan Mission Control Center in Karachi is the main center for controlling Cospas satellites in the region. SUPARCO has become a leading agency for providing ground and satellite transmissions for the Cospas-Sarsat program. Pakistan is also a member of the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO). SUPARCO has signed formal agreements with many countries:

See also

• List of government space agencies
• SUPARCO's spaceflight missions and tests
• SUPARCO Space Programme 2040
• Jinnah Antarctic Station
• Indian Space Research Organisation