SUPARCO

The '''Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission''',{{efn|{{langx|ur|{{nastaliq|خلائی و بالائ فضائی تحقیقاتی مأموریہ}}}}}} commonly referred to as '''SUPARCO''', is the national space agency of [[Pakistan]].{{cite web |title=About Suparco |url=https://suparco.gov.pk/about-us/ |publisher=SUPARCO |access-date=21 October 2023}}

The '''Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission''',{{efn|{{langx|ur|{{nastaliq|خلائی و بالائ فضائی تحقیقاتی مأموریہ}}}}}} commonly referred to as '''SUPARCO''', is the national space agency of [[Pakistan]].{{cite web |title=About Suparco |url=https://suparco.gov.pk/about-us/ |publisher=SUPARCO |access-date=21 October 2023}}

The agency, originally established in 1961 as a committee in Karachi, became an independent commission in 1981.{{cite web |title=Pakistan Space Program |url=http://www.aerospaceguide.net/worldspace/pakistan.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202005559/http://www.aerospaceguide.net/worldspace/pakistan.html |archive-date=2 February 2015 |access-date=12 January 2022 |website=www.aerospaceguide.net}} Its initial objective was to study [[Rocket|rocketry]] and [[upper atmosphere|high-altitude research]] from the United States, which eventually led to the development of a national [[satellite]] program.{{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 |archive-date=13 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813191158/https://scientiamag.org/suparco-vs-isro/ |url-status=live }} This culminated in the successful launch of Pakistan's first satellite from China in 1990.{{sfn|Lele|2012|pp=44, 45}}{{sfn|Lele|2012|p=46}} The agency was also an early participant in the [[Pakistani missile research and development program|rocket development program]] launched by the [[Ministry of Defence (Pakistan)|Ministry of Defence]] of Pakistan.{{sfn|Lele|2012|p=46}}

The agency, originally established in 1961 as a committee in Karachi, became an independent commission in 1981.{{cite web |title=Pakistan Space Program |url=http://www.aerospaceguide.net/worldspace/pakistan.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202005559/http://www.aerospaceguide.net/worldspace/pakistan.html |archive-date=2 February 2015 |access-date=12 January 2022 |website=www.aerospaceguide.net}} Its initial objective was to study [[rocket]]ry and [[upper atmosphere|high-altitude research]] from the United States, which eventually led to the development of a national [[satellite]] program.{{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 |archive-date=13 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813191158/https://scientiamag.org/suparco-vs-isro/ |url-status=live }} This culminated in the successful launch of Pakistan's first satellite from China in 1990.{{sfn|Lele|2012|pp=44, 45}}{{sfn|Lele|2012|p=46}} The agency was also an early participant in the [[Pakistani missile research and development program|rocket development program]] launched by the [[Ministry of Defence (Pakistan)|Ministry of Defence]] of Pakistan.{{sfn|Lele|2012|p=46}}

The agency leads the [[Space Vision 2040 (Pakistan)|National Space Program]] (NSP) and maintains the [[Orbital station-keeping|orbital operations]] of its satellites with support facilities throughout the country.{{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|archive-date=14 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714204110/http://thenews.com.pk/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=18716&title=NCA-okays-Nuclear-Power-Prog-2050|url-status=live}}{{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 |archive-date=25 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925105334/https://suparco.gov.pk/major-programmes/projects/ |url-status=live }}

The agency leads the [[Space Vision 2040 (Pakistan)|National Space Program]] (NSP) and maintains the [[Orbital station-keeping|orbital operations]] of its satellites with support facilities throughout the country.{{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|archive-date=14 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714204110/http://thenews.com.pk/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=18716&title=NCA-okays-Nuclear-Power-Prog-2050|url-status=live}}{{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 |archive-date=25 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925105334/https://suparco.gov.pk/major-programmes/projects/ |url-status=live }}

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

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

The PakSAT program was originally designed to develop the [[television receive-only]] (TVRO) terminals for the receptions of [[List of television channels in Pakistan|news]], [[Television in Pakistan|entertainment, and educational]] channels from direct broadcasting [[Satellite dish|satellite dishes]].{{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}}

The PakSAT program was originally designed to develop the [[television receive-only]] (TVRO) terminals for the receptions of [[List of television channels in Pakistan|news]], [[Television in Pakistan|entertainment, and educational]] channels from direct broadcasting [[satellite dish]]es.{{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}}

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{{Main|Rehbar (rocket family)}}

{{Main|Rehbar (rocket family)}}

Since 1961, the commission supported and led the early studies on [[solid-propellant rocket|solid-propellant rockets]], which it succeeded in developing the [[Rehbar-I]].{{cite web |title=suparco website |url=http://www.suparco.gov.pk/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402152438/http://suparco.gov.pk/ |archive-date=2 April 2015 |access-date=18 September 2016}} The Rehbar-I rocket was a derivative based on the U.S. [[Nike-Cajun]], and continued its service until 1972.

Since 1961, the commission supported and led the early studies on [[solid-propellant rocket]]s, which it succeeded in developing the [[Rehbar-I]].{{cite web |title=suparco website |url=http://www.suparco.gov.pk/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402152438/http://suparco.gov.pk/ |archive-date=2 April 2015 |access-date=18 September 2016}} The Rehbar-I rocket was a derivative based on the U.S. [[Nike-Cajun]], and continued its service until 1972.

==== Hatf-I & Abdali ====

==== Hatf-I & Abdali ====

This is Pakistan's first hyperspectral satellite, described as a "major milestone". It aims to advance country objectives ranging from agriculture to urban planning.

This is Pakistan's first hyperspectral satellite, described as a "major milestone". It aims to advance country objectives ranging from agriculture to urban planning.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry says the new technology will greatly improve the country’s abilities in areas like advanced farming, environmental protection, city development, and disaster response. It will also help identify natural hazard risks more accurately, supporting major development projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry says the new technology will greatly improve the country's abilities in areas like advanced farming, environmental protection, city development, and disaster response. It will also help identify natural hazard risks more accurately, supporting major development projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Pakistan praised the launch of H1 as a major milestone for its space programme and a sign of its close cooperation with China in using space technology for peaceful purposes.

Pakistan praised the launch of H1 as a major milestone for its space programme and a sign of its close cooperation with China in using space technology for peaceful purposes.

=== International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme ===

=== International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme ===

[[File:LEOSAR footprint.gif|thumb|right|200px|Pakistan Mission Control Center (PAMCC) acts as the ground segment for the [[International Cospas-Sarsat Programme]] in the region.]]Pakistan has been participating in a multinational humanitarian programme for satellite–aided [[search and rescue]], the [[International Cospas-Sarsat Programme]]. In 1990, the [[Government of Pakistan]] accorded approval for SUPARCO's participation in the [[International Cospas-Sarsat Programme|Cospas program]] as [[ground segment]] provider and lead space station with close coordination with the Soviet Union. Over the years, the mission control center has equipped itself with advanced technology and is capable of distributing distress alert data to [[Rescue coordination centre|rescue coordination centres]] in the country.{{cite web |last=SUPARCO-COSPAS-SARSAT Program |title=Search & Rescu |url=http://www.suparco.gov.pk/pages/search-rescue.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703035558/http://suparco.gov.pk/pages/search-rescue.asp |archive-date=3 July 2016 |access-date=4 October 2012 |publisher=SUPARCO-COSPAS-SARSAT Program}}

[[File:LEOSAR footprint.gif|thumb|right|200px|Pakistan Mission Control Center (PAMCC) acts as the ground segment for the [[International Cospas-Sarsat Programme]] in the region.]]Pakistan has been participating in a multinational humanitarian programme for satellite–aided [[search and rescue]], the [[International Cospas-Sarsat Programme]]. In 1990, the [[Government of Pakistan]] accorded approval for SUPARCO's participation in the [[International Cospas-Sarsat Programme|Cospas program]] as [[ground segment]] provider and lead space station with close coordination with the Soviet Union. Over the years, the mission control center has equipped itself with advanced technology and is capable of distributing distress alert data to [[rescue coordination centre]]s in the country.{{cite web |last=SUPARCO-COSPAS-SARSAT Program |title=Search & Rescu |url=http://www.suparco.gov.pk/pages/search-rescue.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703035558/http://suparco.gov.pk/pages/search-rescue.asp |archive-date=3 July 2016 |access-date=4 October 2012 |publisher=SUPARCO-COSPAS-SARSAT Program}}

=== Remote Sensing Program ===

=== Remote Sensing Program ===