SUPARCO

Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission

خلائی و بالائے فضائی تحقیقاتی مأموریہ Khala'i wa Bala'i Faza'i Tahqeeqi Mission
Agency overview
Type	Space agency

| native_name_r = | seal = SUPARCO Pakistan Logo.png | seal_size = | seal_alt = | seal_caption = | logo = | logo_size = | logo_alt = | logo_caption = | logo2 = | logo2_size = | logo2_alt = | logo2_caption = | image = SUPARCO, Karachi. - panoramio.jpg | image_size = 200px | image_alt = | caption = SUPARCO complex in Karachi, Sindh | acronym = SUPARCO | nickname = | former_name = | formed = Committee: 1961 - Karachi Commission: 1981 | type = Space agency | status = Active | headquarters = Islamabad-45900, Pakistan | leader_title = Chairman | leader_name = Muhammad Yusuf Khan

| key_people =

• Dr. Abdus Salam
• Dr. Abdul Majid
• Dr. Salim Mehmud

| owner = National Command Authority (NCA) | employees = Classified | budget = ₨7.3951 billion (US$26.47 million)
(2022–23) | website = suparco.gov.pk |spaceport=Sonmiani FTR}}

The Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, or SUPARCO, serves as Pakistan's national space agency. It began as a committee in Karachi in 1961 and became an independent commission in 1981. Its original goal was to acquire knowledge in rocketry and high-altitude research from the United States, which eventually led to the creation of a national satellite program. This effort resulted in the launch of Pakistan's first satellite from China in 1990. Additionally, SUPARCO was one of the initial participants in the rocket development initiative started by Pakistan's Ministry of Defence. SUPARCO oversees the National Space Program (NSP) and is responsible for the operation of its satellites, supported by facilities across the country. However, the agency has faced considerable criticism within Pakistan for not being able to match the capabilities of its Indian and Chinese rivals, despite being established before them.

Functions

According to the National Space Policy of Pakistan, approved in 2024, SUPARCO, as the national space agency, is responsible for overseeing all activities related to outer space. This includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:

• Policy Development: Create national space policies and laws to meet international obligations and set guidelines for the space sector.

• Program Management: Plan, oversee, and implement the National Space Program, which includes space science, technology, and applications.

• Space Infrastructure: Design, develop, launch, and manage satellites, ground control systems, space transportation methods, launch sites, navigation systems, and tracking observatories.

• National Register: Keep a record of space objects launched by Pakistan and provide this information to the United Nations.

• Commercialization: Encourage the commercial use of space technologies, capabilities, and applications.

• Private Sector Engagement: Foster participation from the private sector in space-related activities.

• International Cooperation: Collaborate with global space organizations and agencies, representing Pakistan in pertinent forums.