SUPARCO

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Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission
SUPARCO
خلائ و بالائ فضائ تحقیقاتی ماموریہ
File:SUPARCO.gif
Suparco logo
Agency overview
AbbreviationSuparco
Formed16 September 1961
TypeSpace agency
HeadquartersKarachi, Sindh,  Pakistan
AdministratorMGen Ahmad Bilal, PA
Primary spaceportSonmiani Terminal Launch
Annual budgetPKR 6.88 Billion (2010-11)[1] (US $ 75.00 million)
Websitewww.suparco.gov.pk

The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Urdu: خلائ و بالائ فضائ تحقیقاتی ماموریہ; better known as SUPARCO) is an executive agency of the Government of Pakistan, responsible for the nation's public and civil space programme and aeronautics and aerospace research. It was established in its modern form in 1961 by an executive order of President Field Marshal Muhammad Ayub Khan on the advice of its founding director, Abdus Salam. The agency is part of Pakistan Defence Forces's Strategic Plans Division (SPD) under the current control of Pakistan Army. The SPD is headed by the Army's retired three star general Lieutenant-General Khalid Kadwai. SPD headquarters are located at the Pakistan Air Force controlled Chaklala Cantonment.[2]

The executive figure of the agency is Major-General Ahmed Bilal who is heading the agency as the current chairman of SUPARCO, while he is also serving his tenure as Colonel Commandant of Pakistan Army Corps of Signals Engineering.

History

The research in space sciences and aeronautical development was insued by the physicists at the Punjab University's Physics Department in 1957, following the successful launch of Soviet Union's Sputnik 1[3] However, due to the political instability, the programme was not undertaken seriously by the Government of Pakistan. Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam had played a major and influential role in the development of Pakistan's science policy. It was Salam's advice to the President, Field Marshal Ayub Khan, to establish a National Space Agency of Pakistan, Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) on September 16, 1961. It was decided to set up a ےommittee dealing with space sciences, consequently, a Space Sciences Research Wing of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC). It was established through an Executive Order of then President of Pakistan Field Marshal Ayub Khan which was addressed to I. H. Usmani, the Chairman of PAEC. The program of rocket test firings was entrusted to the Chairman of PAEC.[4]

On 7 June 1961, under the leadership of Air Force's Air Commodore (Brigadier-General) Władysław Józef Marian Turowicz, a two-stage rocket, Rehbar-I, was launched from the Sonmiani Flight Test Center. Pakistan was the third country in Asia and the tenth in the world to conduct such a launching.[4]

On 25 July 1964 Salam arranged a meeting with President Ayub Khan where SUPARCO was placed under the direct control of the President of Pakistan. On 8 March 1966, President Ayub Khan constituted SUPARCO as a separate organisation under the administrative control of Abdus Salam.[4] By Presidential order, Salam was made its first chair and given the powers previously held by the PAEC Chairman.

Abdus Salam also established space centres in different cities of Pakistan, notably in Karachi and Lahore. Abdus Salam's effort was involved in the development and installation of a high-powered astronomical telescope at the Karachi University, known as KU Observatory. With the establishment of SUPARCO, Pakistan was the first South Asian country to start a space programme.[5] In 1967, Abdus Salam was succeeded by Air Commdore Władysław Turowicz, as he was made administrator of SUPARCO.[4] Air Commdore Turowicz led the foundation of research activities in SUPARCO to the field of aeronautics sciences.[4]

Munir Ahmad Khan played a major and influential rôle in SUPARCO research activities.[6] On 13 December 1979, Munir Ahmad Khan met with Chief of Army Staff and President General Zia-ul-Haq where Khan joined in efforts to establish SUPARCO as an independent organisation and its elevation as a Commission.[6] On his advise, the Government of Pakistan made Salim Mehmud, a nuclear engineer, as the head of the agency.[6] In 1990, Badr-I — Pakistan's first locally built satellite — was launched by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) of People's Republic of China (PRC).[7] In 1990, Suparco launched another satellite programme — Badr-B, with the technical assistance provided by Space Innovations Limited (SIL) of the United Kingdom (UK).[8] The spacecraft's sub-systems were developed and manufactured by SIL while the spacecraft integration was performed by SUPARCO.[8] The programme was completed in 1993, and it was expected to launch the same year.[8] However, the target could not be achieved on time.[8] In 1994, plans to launch the spacecraft did not materialise, and the launch was moved forward to 2001.[8] In 1999, Abdul Qadeer Khan approached to then-Chief of Army Staff and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Pervez Musharraf where he was unable to convince General Musharraf to launch the satellite from Flight Test Center as Ghauri-I as its space booster.[9] In 2001, the spacecraft was finally launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome, as Ukrainian Zenit-2 rocket as its boost launcher.[8] At present, SUPARCO is currently developing the Remote-sensing satellite, and in the near future it will be launched depending on the available funds. In August 14 of 2011, the Paksat-IR will be launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Centre (XSLC) to replace the vintage Paksat-I satellite.[10]

NASA-SUPARCO Cooperation

In 1961 Pakistan set up the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) with the announced goal, not yet reached, of launching Pakistani satellites aboard Pakistani rockets. In June 1962, the United States launched the first rocket from Pakistani soil. The launch used a combination of two US rocket motors, the Nike-Cajun. Fired from Sonmiani Beach, 50 km west of Karachi, the rocket reached an altitude of almost 130 km. The US space agency NASA hailed the launch as the beginning of "a programme of continuing cooperation in space research of mutual interest.[11]"

The NASA- SUPARCO cooperation agreement called for the training of Pakistani scientists and technicians at NASA space science centres. Before the June 1962 launch, NASA had begun to train Pakistani scientists at Wallops Island and the Goddard Space Flight Centres. NASA also set up fellowships and research associate programmes at American universities for "advanced training and experience."

SUPARCO Facilities

Major SUPARCO facilities are located in Karachi including its Headquarters off University Road, Karachi (adjoining the campus of Karachi University), the SUPARCO Plant located at Hub (a township of coastal Balochistan near Karachi), the Paksat-1R ground Control Station (near PCSIR Laboratories) and FTR (Flight Testing Range) located in Sonmiani, also in Balochistan, near Karachi.

Launch Vehicle Fleet

Rehbar Sounding Rocket Project

Main article: Rehbar-I
Main article: Nike-Cajun
A Pakistani Rehbar Nike-Cajun in launch position in the 1961.

On 7 June 1962 at 19:53 hours (PST) Rehbar-I was successfully launched from Sonmiani Satellite Launch Center. 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 9 June 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.[12] The successful launch carried a payload of 80 pounds of sodium and it streaked up about 130 km into the atmosphere. SUPARCO tested its Rehbar rocket series for more than a decade. The Program was decommissioned on 8 April 1972.

Hatf Ballistic Missile Project

Main articles: Hatf-I and Integrated Missile Research and Development Programme

The militarization of the agency began in 1980s when Munir Ahmad Khan had got Suparco's status as full commission. Nuclear engineer Salim Mehmud was made its administrator when the development of military program began to take place. In 1980s, the scientists from Suparco closely collaborated with KRL scientists in developing Hatf missiles. The program was developed in extreme secrecy and was finally revealed in 1989. In January 1989, a successful launch of an "indigenous multistage rocket into deep space" was said to have reached an altitude of more than 480 km. Pakistan would like to build satellite launchers and longer-range missiles, but it is unclear how far it has progressed.[13] In 1981, the head of SUPARCO announced plans to test a launcher by 1986, and the Pakistani press reported in early 1989 that a multi-stage rocket had successfully launched a 150-kilogram payload over 600 kilometers into "deep space.[11]" Scientists at Suparco later participated in the development of Shaheen missile system, under Samar Mubarakmand in 1995 Recently, Suparco has tested two high-altitude hypersonic sounding rockets: Shahpar and Rakhnum. Shahpar is a 7 meter solid-fuel rocket two stage rocket that can carry a payload of 55–70 kilograms to an altitude of 950 kilometers. Rakhnum, which is a 3 stage liquid-fuel rocket, can lift a payload of 38–56 kilograms to an altitude of 1000 kilometers. Both rockets have achieved a Mach number of 6.1.

Shaheen-III Programme

Main article: Shaheen-III

Pakistan began to concentrate to developed its first SLV in sometime in 1998. On March 2001, Science Advisor to the President Abdul Qadeer Khan publicly announced that Pakistani aerospace scientists were in the general process of building the country's first Expendable Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) and that the project had been assigned to SUPARCO, which also built the Badr satellites.[14]

Abdul Qadeer Khan also cited the fact that India had made rapid advances in launch technology and satellite manufacture as another motivation for developing an indigenous launch capabilities. Abdul Majid, then-chairman of SUPARCO, confirmed Khan's statement and said "Pakistan envision a low-cost SLV and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) inroder to launch light-weight satellite into low-earth orbits. Abdul Qadeer Khan also added that" Pakistan has very robust IRBMs which can launch geostationary orbiting satellites. All Pakistan has to do is to erase Delhi or Kolkota from the target and point it towards the sky. Instead of Hydrogen bombs and Atomic bombs the missiles can easily carry a payload of a satellite".[14]

In March 2005, President General Musharraf authorized renewed research and development on an indigenous launch capability, which would be able to orbit a planned domestically built satellite, the PAKSAT-IR. During the IDEAS 2002 defence exhibition Pakdef spotted two similar models of Pakistani Satellite Launch Vehicles.

The first model points out a possible three stage of Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV). Judging from other similar SLV's, it is estimated that it can place a payload weighing around 80–100 kilogramme to an orbit 450–490 kilometres above Earth's surface. However the exact data remains unknown. The second model of the Satellite Launch Vehicle seems similar to the first model however, with four extra boosters. Many nations with SLV technology developed boosters based on their missile technology. Therefore it is fair to assume that the boosters on the second model might also be based on one of Pakistan's ballistic missiles.[15]

On August 2006, after Prime minister Shaukat Aziz's official visit to People's Republic of China, Prime Minister Aziz called a meeting of Suparco's scientists and engineers, where Prime minister was briefed by SUPARCO's scientist on the status of the both SLV programme. At present, the status of such programme is remained unclear and unknown.

In August 18, 2009, Samar Mubarak Mand reported that Pakistan would launch its own satellite in April 2011 it made some things seem all to obvious to analyst familiar with the subject.[16] According to Global Security.org, it is expected the satellite would be launched from Shaheen-III booster from unknown Pakistan's space facility.[16]

Communication satellites

Pakistan's first satellite, Badr-1, was launched by the Chinese in 1990. At presents, Pakistan controls 2 satellites in the space.

Badr-1 Digital Communication Satellite

Main article: Badr-1
Pakistan's first communication satellite, Badr-1.

SUPARCO started its first digital communication satellite in 1986.[17] The Government of Pakistan held talks with United States but the U.S Government did not show any motives in Pakistan's space Program. Instead China offers Pakistan to launch its satellite from its soil. The satellite was shipped to People's Republic of China. Pakistan launched its Badr-1, Pakistan's first indigenously developed Digital Communications Experimental satellite, was launched in 1990 from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China aboard a Long March 2E. The satellite successfully completed its designed life. The launch of satellite was the key success to SUPARCO. After badr-1, SUPARCO continued to developed its badr-B satellite after the successfully developed satellite.

PAKSAT-1 Telecommunication Satellite

Main article: PAKSAT

Pakistan's Paksat-1 was originally known as Palapa. It was launched by Hughes Space and Communications Company for Indonesia. Later Indonesia declared the satellite unusable after an electric power anomaly. The insurance claims were paid and the title was transferred to Hughes Space and Communications Company.[18] HGS-3 was then acquired by Pakistan from M/s Hughes Global Services on "Full Time Leasing " and relocated to Pakistan's reserved slot at 38 Degree. After a series of orbital maneuvers, the Satellite was stabilized at the final location on 20 December 2002 with 0-degree inclination. The satellite is in position at the Pakistani-licensed orbital location, 38° east longitude. Paksat 1 is operational and is ready to offer services. The PAKSAT Satellite will be decommissioned from its services in the late of 2012.

PAKSAT-1R Communication Satellite Project

Main article: PAKSAT-1R

On 14 August 2011, PAKSAT-1R was launched by China using Long March 3B rocket. The 11,000 lb Satellite was built by China Academy of Space Technology on DFH-4 space platform. This satellite is to replace PAKSAT-1 which is to be decommissioned by end of 2011.[19][20][21] The satellite will support all conventional and modern Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) applications including broadband, E-learning, telemedicine, digital TV and emergency communications. PAKSAT-1R satellite will have a total of up to 30 transponders: 18 in Ku-band and 12 in C-band. To ensure high degree of reliability / availability of the system, two (02) fully redundant Satellite Ground Control Stations (SGCS) would be established in Karachi and Lahore, one to act as the Main and the other as Backup respectively.[22][23]

Earth Observational Satellite

Badr-B (Earth Observational Satellite)

Main article: Badr-B

In 1992 SUPARCO was given orders to develop its first Low-Earth observation satellite. The project manager was Abdul Majid (physicist). According to the program, the satellite was to launch on June 1996. However, when SUPARCO faced severe global sanctions, the program was put on hold. SUPARCO, however, secretly continued to develop its satellite. The project was completed in 1996. The satellite was planned to launch from the Sonmiani Satellite Launch Center. But it was postponed. On 10 December 2001 at 17:19 hours UT, Pakistan launched its second satellite, Badr-B, an Earth observation satellite from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan aboard a Russian Zenit-2 rocket, Russia. According to the Government of Pakistan, SUPARCO has upgraded the Badr-B Low Earth Observational Satellite. According to the Interior Ministry of Pakistan, the Satellite is being using to monitored Pakistan's western border.[24][25]

Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite System (PRSSS)

Main article: Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite

After successful launching and operation of BADR series of experimental Low Earth Observational satellites (BADR-1 and BADR-B) in the 1990s and early 2000s (decade), SUPARCO now plans to launch high-resolution Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSSS) to meet the national and international user requirements in the field of satellite imagery.[26]

A feasibility and system definition study was concluded in January 2007 which recommended the launch of a constellation of optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites to ensure that the domestic and international user requirements are competitively met. In this respect the RFP for RSSS consultancy services was launched in July 2007. Launch of RFP for the manufacturing of the satellite is planned in the third quarter of year 2008.[26]

PRSS is planned to be a progressive and sustainable program. Initially, SUPARCO plans to launch an optical satellite with payload of 2.5-meter PAN in 700 km sun-synchronous orbit by the end of year 2011, which will be followed by a series of optical and SAR satellites in the future. Necessary infrastructure for ground control and image reception and processing is also planned to be set up.[26] The satellite is underdevelopment process and it is being developed by SUPARCO. However, it is unclear whether the satellite will launch from Pakistan's satellite launchers or Chinese satellite launchers.

Planetary Sciences and Astronomy

A number of institutions in Pakistan are engaged in educational/observational astronomy.[27] Karachi University's Institute of Space and Planetary Astrophysics has one and powerful telescope/Astronomical observatory which is used by SUPARCO. SUPARCO's Institute of Space technology has also one Astronomical observatory which was built and constructed by the United Kingdom.

Research facilities

Facility Locations Primary Functions
SUPARCO Plant Karachi, Sindh Province The SUPARCO plant in Karachi was built in the mid-1980s to manufacture sounding rockets for upper atmosphere research. Pakistan's Hatf-I and Hatf-II ballistic missiles are believed to be derivatives of French sounding rockets built by or with assistance from the ESA.
Instrumentation Laboratories (IL) Karachi, Sindh Province The laboratories are responsible for the design and fabrication of data sensors for rockets, satellites, and ground equipment.
Aerospace Institute (AI) Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad The Aerospace Institute is Pakistan's sole institution for training personnel in the fields of space technology. It also serves as a recruiting and training ground for engineers, scientists, and personnel involved in Pakistan's space programme.
Satellite Research and Development Center (SRDC) Lahore, Punjab province The research and satellite engineering development centre responsible for the design and development of satellites.
Satellite Ground Station (SGS) Rawat, Islamabad Capital Territory The SUPARCO-controlled earth observation and remote sensing satellite control space centre.
Flight Test Range (FTR) Sonmiani Beach, Balochistan Province The oldest and main launch facility of SUPARCO.
Mashhood Test Firing Range (MTFR) Jhelum City, Punjab Province The second orbital launch facility.
PAKSAT Ground Control Station (PGCS-L) Lahore, Punjab Province The SUPARCO's ground control facility to control PAKSAT-1R satellite.
PAKSAT Ground Control Station (PGCS-K) Karachi, Sind Province The SUPARCO's Ground Control facility to control PAKSAT-1R satellite.
Facility Location Description
Institute of Space Technology Islamabad a research and development facility. The IST was established and founded by the government of United Kingdom. Institute of Space Technology offers degree programs in Aerospace Engineering, Communication systems engineering and Material Science and Engineering
SUPARCO Institute Of Technical Training(SITT) Karachi a teaching and technical training facility. SUPARCO Institute Of Technical Training(SITT) offers diploma programs in Mechanical and Electronics Technology.
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.[27] A number of foreign scientists have used and research the ISPA facility where they published numerous articles in the field of space sciences.[28] The ISPA has also a powerful telescope and astronomical observatory which was last provided by the United States Government in late 1950s.[27]
Department of Space Science University of Punjab The facility carries out a wide variety of research programs in the field of solar physics, plasma physics, astrophysics, remote sensing and planetary sciences.[27] The Department of Space Science has a small space observatory. It is the oldest space 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:

"Pakistan would need to catch up to the world space leaders and make up for lost time and neglect in the past and future"[29]

.

In his [Musharraf] book, In the Line of Fire: A Memoir, Musharraf has expressed his desired 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, Remote sensing satellites and satellite launch vehicles, with the objective of bringing rapid growth and socio-economic development in the fields of education, astronomy, Cosmology, Exobiology, Stellar science, Planetary science, Planets, Extrasolar Planet, Dwarf Planets, Comets, Asteroids, astrophysics, astrobiology, astrochemistry, aerospace engineering, rocket propellent engineering, information technology, communications, agriculture sector, mineral excavation and atmospheric sciences.[30][31]

  • 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 defence 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 defence
  • Development of research, test and production base of the space sector

Administrators of SUPARCO

Number Name Term Started Term Ended Alma Mater Field Educational Background
1 Abdus Salam 1961 1967 Imperial College Theoretical Physics Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)
2 Air Commodore Władysław Turowicz 1967 1979 Warsaw University of Technology Aeronautical Engineering Ph.D
3 Air Commodore K. M. Ahmad 1979 1980 Pakistan Air Force Academy Flight Instructor Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI)
4 Salim Mehmud 1980 1989 Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education and Oak Ridge National Laboratory Nuclear Engineering Ph.D
5 M. Shafi Ahmad 1989 1990 University of London Astronomy Ph.D
6 Sikandar Zaman 1990 1997 University of Leeds Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
7 Abdul Majid 1997 2001 University of Wales Astrophysics Ph.D
8 Major General Raza Hussain 2001 2010 Pakistan Army Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Electrical Engineering B.S.
9 Major General Ahmed Bilal 2010 Present Pakistan Army Corps of Signals Engineering Computer Engineering Master of Science (M.S)

International Cooperation

China

In August 2006, China committed to work with Pakistan to launch three Earth-resource satellites over the next five years.[32] 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. On the occasion of Chinese launch of PAKSAT-1R in China, Pakistan's ambassador to China expressed the natural desire of Pakistani nation for China to send a Pakistani astronaut to space aboard a Chinese spacecraft.[33]

Turkey

In December 2006, Turkey has showed interest to join Pakistan's space program.[34] Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan signed the Memorandum of understanding (MOU). Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey and Turkish Aerospace Industries's representative signed an accord with SUPARCO to enhance the cooperation in the satellite development program.[34]

See also

References

  1. ^ 135% increase in funds for space programme likely
  2. ^ History of SUPARCO
  3. ^ Fayyazuddin, Professor Abdus Salam as I know him, National Center for Physics
  4. ^ a b c d e http://www.suparco.gov.pk/pages/history.asp
  5. ^ http://worldofaerospace.googlepages.com/Aerospace.htm
  6. ^ a b c Mahmud, Salim (April 4, 2007). "Munir Ahmad Khan: A scientist in the field of nuclear technology to space technology: Mr. Salim Mahmud. S.I. Chair Emeritus SUPARCO". Pakistan Military Consortium. Pakistan Military Consortium. Retrieved 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  7. ^ "Pakistan and Satellite Communication Systems". Federation of American Scientists (FAS). Pakistan Military Consortium. March 20, 2000. Retrieved 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  8. ^ a b c d e f "Badr-B". Federation of American Scientists (FAS). Federation of American Scientists (FAS). November 28, 1999. Retrieved 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  9. ^ Abdul Qadeer Khan, The Past and the Present.
  10. ^ ARY News (Monday December 27 , 2010 7:01:51 PM). "Pakistan to launch satellite in 2011". publisher =ARY Digital Network. Retrieved 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Missing pipe in: |work= (help); line feed character in |work= at position 22 (help)
  11. ^ a b http://www.wisconsinproject.org/countries/pakistan/hatf.html
  12. ^ Welcome to SUPARCO – The National Space Agency of Pakistan
  13. ^ http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jsws/jsws0450.html
  14. ^ a b Pakistan’s indigenous Satellite launch Vehicle (SLV) & PakSat launch in 2011
  15. ^ Image of Shaheen-III SLV
  16. ^ a b Global Security.org (2009-08-20). "Pakistan's Shaheen-III? Space Booster development: Pakistan Finally Dropped the Other Shoe". Global Security.org. Global Security.org. Retrieved 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  17. ^ http://www2.arrl.org/news/features/2003/07/10/1/
  18. ^ Palapa-C 1, 2 / HGS 3 / Anatolia 1 / Paksat 1
  19. ^ http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1108/11longmarch/
  20. ^ http://www.dawn.com/2011/08/11/pakistans-first-communications-satellite-paksat-1r-launched.html
  21. ^ http://tribune.com.pk/story/228317/china-to-launch-pakistan-communication-satellite/
  22. ^ http://www.suparco.gov.pk/pages/paksat1r.asp?satlinksid=1
  23. ^ Pakistan to launch satellite in 2011
  24. ^ http://centaur.sstl.co.uk/SSHP/micro/micro2001.html
  25. ^ http://www.pakistanlink.com/Headlines/June08/16/02.htm
  26. ^ a b c http://www.suparco.gov.pk/pages/prss.asp
  27. ^ a b c d http://www.suparco.gov.pk/iya2009-pak.html
  28. ^ http://www.suparco.gov.pk/pages/wsw08-kar.asp
  29. ^ Pakistan to soon emerge strongly on Space map: Musharraf
  30. ^ http://www.suparco.gov.pk/pages/atmospheric-research.asp
  31. ^ Pakistan News Service – PakTribune
  32. ^ Asia Times Online :: South Asia news – China, Pakistan cooperate in space
  33. ^ http://nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Politics/08-Aug-2011/Paksat1R-launch-in-China-this-week
  34. ^ a b Turkey joins Pakistan, China in joint efforts for Space Technology. Retrieved 2010-12-29.
  35. ^ APSCO Member States. Retrieved 2010-12-29.
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