Pakistan, a country known for its strategic significance, vibrant history, and varying cultural landscape has recently made headlines with its advancements in space technology. On December 9, 2023, Pakistan launched its latest satellite in collaboration with China, marking a significant milestone in its space exploration journey. This renewed effort is not just a technical achievement but also a symbol of Pakistan’s aspirations to extend its horizons beyond Earth. This article delves into the history, challenges, and renewed focus on Pakistan’s space program.

Pakistan’s foray into space began in the early 1960s, just a few years after the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite. The establishment of the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) in 1961 under the leadership of Dr. Abdus Salam, a Nobel laureate, marked the formal beginning of Pakistan’s space ambitions. SUPARCO aimed to develop space technology, conduct research in space sciences, and ultimately launch satellites into space.

In 1962, Pakistan achieved a significant milestone by launching its first sounding rocket, Rehbar-I, from the Sonmiani spaceport. That event positioned Pakistan as the third country in Asia, after Japan and Israel, to launch a rocket into space. The early successes continued with the launch of Rehbar-II in 1962 and further plans for satellite development.

Despite early momentum, Pakistan’s space program faced several setbacks and challenges that hindered its progress for decades. The lack of sustained political support, insufficient funding, and geopolitical constraints remained to be significant factors. During the 1970s and 1980s, Pakistan’s space aspirations took a backseat as the country grappled with internal political turmoil, economic challenges, and regional conflicts.

One of the primary reasons for slowing down of the space program was the limited budget allocated to........

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