Pakistan Space and Satellite Developments

[PakistaniPatriot]

Googling SUPARCO takes me to SUPARCO website and then what!

 

[AgNoStiC MuSliM]

We only have so much money, and it will be better spent setting up an independent multi capable satellite network. We need independent TERCOM, GPS, communication capabilities more than a "space launch capability".

 

[Always Neutral]

Pakistan must get its own independant space program.

 

[PakistaniPatriot]

We only have so much money, and it will be better spent setting up an independent multi capable satellite network. We need independent TERCOM, GPS, communication capabilities more than a "space launch capability".

Brother AG. Are you saying that setting up TERCOM, and GPS comm. is more important than "Space Launch Capability"

 

[EagleEyes]

I believe he is implying that getting capability (in GPS, TERCOM, etc) is more important than the space launch capability.

I really would like to know the advantages of launching our own satellite verses getting someone else to do it for us.

 

[Neo]

We only have so much money, and it will be better spent setting up an independent multi capable satellite network. We need independent TERCOM, GPS, communication capabilities more than a "space launch capability".

I fully agree here, there are almost no restrictions for sending satellites thru commercial channels in friendly countries, we can launch satellites from China, Russia, French Guyana or even USA. China would be the obvious choice to launch a spy satellite in near future.

Independant TERCOM, GPS, Comms capability is higher priority as it will make our missile arsenal less dependant and vulnerable.
We should not waste money to persue status, fame or prestige but use it wisely where its needed best.

 

[Always Neutral]

I am really curious why Pakistan is not investing in this sector ?

 

[Neo]

We are, Space Programme was revived ny Musharraf a few years ago but we've invested much more in the development of satellites rather than developping lauch pads.

Keep in mind that we've a very capable and advanced missile and missile launch system, the technology can easily be diverted to civil programme. Again its matter of priority.

 

[Always Neutral]

so why is pakistan not launching its eyes and ears in the sky even after 20 years after their rivals India did ?

 

[Neo]

And what will we be launching? Sofar we've developped only two satellites, the second one called Badr-2 was a more advanced one wich limited cartographic capability...which indicates that we're working on a spy satellite.
But again when ready it can be launched from China, we don't need to rush into SLV's.

Once we start producing satellites every year we'll feel the need to launch from our own soil.

 

[AgNoStiC MuSliM]

PP and Always,

Tried looking up some information on investment in the field by the GoP.

Institute of Space Technology was founded in August 2002,in Islamabad by SUPARCO to produce Aerosace Engineers and Communication System Engineers in the country.

Institute of Space Technology offers degree programs in Aerospace Engineering and Communication System Engineering. It is the first institute to offer higher education in the fields of Aerospace and Communication Systems Engineering in the country.Then [[ College of Aeronautical Engineering], Risalpur was offering only aeronautical engineering,it started aerospace engineering later than Institute of Space Technology (2002) .It is also recognized by Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), it aims to be world class Institute in next few years. Its state-of-art campus has modern facilities which provide opportunities for research and help to pursue a career in these fields of engineering. Currently the institute is trying to hire a world renowned faculity. Its first batch graduated in August 2006.

The College remained operational as an affiliated Institute of University of Engineering and Technology (Lahore) and was granted degree awarding status in 2005.

In order to meet the huge requirements of the NSDP (National Satellite Development Programme) an ambitious and rigorous Human Resource Development programme is being undertaken at SUPARCO. Under this programme many scientists and officials have been sent abroad for higher studies in fields like:

1. Aeronautics & allied fields

2. Communications ( tele communication, satellite communication, Rf communication)

3. Engineering & allied fields

4. Mechanical Manufacturing

5. Remote Sensing & allied fields

6. Environment Sciences



Concurrently management personnel are also being trained and educated. An elaborate On-the-Job Training programme is being implemented to further these objectives by continuously upgrading the capabilities and skills of personnel.

With respect to your question of why it took so long. I suppose our "democratically elected" leaders, BB and NS, would have to answer for that. They did not have the foresight to at least set up the institutions that would train the manpower to work towards developing our space capability. Probably part of that whole "if we educate Pakistanis, then we lose our constituency" mindset. But seriously, the economy in Pakistan has only allowed for investment in a wide variety of sectors under Mushy. During NS and BB's time, we barely had enough to keep our nuclear program going. So hats off to Mushy for one more service to the country.

 

[mustang]

Building a space lanch pad takes billons of dollars in the making and keeping them maintained , finding the expertize and the man power , also there is the problem of polical system in Pakistan because every new gov shuts down the programs stared by the previous one ... Also if i am not wrong NASA spends annually some 15 Billion Dollars ...

 

[Ababeel]

Why there is a big delay in launching a third satellite as Pakistan has already launched two experimental satellites. The 2nd one with even imaging technology payload?

 

[solid snake]

It is not worth it for Pakistan to develop a launchpad. Why not use that money to develop things on the ground and feed the people first? Most of our efforts should be geared towards satellite technology.

 

[PakistaniPatriot]

Agnostic Muslim. Thank You very much for providing this information. You really answered my question. Now looking at the information, I think it will be a long time after we actually see some progress.