The Space Programme 2040 [1] was a satellite development and launch initiative undertaken by SUPARCO, Pakistan's national space agency. This program aimed to replace the country's existing Badr satellite series and establish a new fleet of satellites.[2]
The program's timeline spanned from 2011 to 2040, during which SUPARCO planned to launch five geostationary (GEO) satellites and six low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The first satellite under this program, PakSAT-1R, was successfully launched on August 11, 2011, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China.
The primary objectives of the Space Programme 2040 were to advance satellite technology, promote socio-economic development, conduct scientific research, and develop military capabilities.[3]
The program received official approval from Prime Minister Yousaf Gillani in July 2011, with funding allocated in the 2011 Pakistan fiscal year budget.[1]
The Space Programme 2040 has been superseded by newer development programs aimed at further advancing Pakistan's space capabilities.
Remote sensing satellites
editPrior to the Space Programme 2040, SUPARCO had successfully launched the Badr-II satellite in 2001. Badr-II was Pakistan's first low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite and was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome by Russia's Roscosmos. [4]
A key component of the Space Programme 2040 was the development and launch of six remote sensing satellites. SUPARCO aimed to launch its first remote sensing satellite, the PRSS-O1, in 2018. [5]
- PRSS-O1
- PRSS-S1
- PRSS-O2
- PRSS-S2
- PRSS-O3
- PRSS-S3
Communications satellites
editThe Paksat-IR satellite marked a historic milestone in Pakistan's space program. Launched on August 11, 2011, at 9:17 PM (PKT), it was the first geostationary (GEO) satellite to be deployed as part of the Space Programme 2040. The satellite was carried into orbit by a Long March 3E rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China's Sichuan province.[6][7]
The GEO satellites that are under development or proposed are listed below:
- Paksat-MM1
- Paksat-MM2
- Paksat-II
References
edit- ^ a b Staff Desk (14 July 2011). "NCA okays Nuclear Power Prog 2050, Space Prog 3040". The News International Directorate for Science and Technology. The News International. Retrieved 14 July 2011.
- ^ Ghumman, Khawar (15 July 2011). "Nuclear-Minimum Credible Deterrence to be pursued". The Dawn Newspapers' Division of Science. Dawn News. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 14 July 2011.
- ^ Suddle, D.Sc., Mohmmad Riaz (19 December 2009). "Pakistan's Space Programme". SUPARCO Media Research Directorate. Dr. Mohmmad Riaz Suddle, Director of the Paksat-IR programme and current executive member of the Suparco's plan and research division. Archived from the original on 10 January 2011. Retrieved 11 August 2011.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ SUPARCO. "Optical Satellite Programme". SUPARCO. SUPARCO.
- ^ Staff desk. "Pakistan to launch Remote Sensing Satellite in 2014". Pakistan Observer. Pakistan Observer: The Science Desk News. Archived from the original on 16 March 2012.
- ^ SUPARCO, Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission. "Space Launch Vehicle of the Pak-sat IR". Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission Directorate for Media and Public Relations from People's Republic of China. Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission Headquarters.
- ^ SUPARCO, Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission. "Pakistan's First GEO Satellite launched under Space Programme 2040" (PDF). Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission Directorate for Media and Public Relations. Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission Headquarters in Karachi. Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 August 2012.