Latest news with #Suparco
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt allocates Rs600m to put man in space
Listen to article The upcoming budget is likely to see allocation of billions of rupees for Pakistan's strides in space exploration, including the country's pride project of sending its first man into space, and a Multi-Mission Communication Satellite System. The federal government has proposed the allocation of Rs24 billion to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) in the development budget for the next fiscal year 2025–26. The allocation includes Rs600 million for the manned space mission in the next fiscal year. According to officials, over Rs18 billion would be spent on the Multi-Mission Communication Satellite System; Rs400 million for a new Pakistan Lunar Exploration project; Rs1.8 billion for the Deep Space Astronomical project; and Rs1.7 billion for the Pakistan Optical Remote Sensing Satellite project. Read more: IMF rejects wealth tax, chicken duty Other allocations, according to the officials: more than Rs500 million would be allocated for the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC); over Rs50 billion for the Cabinet Division; and Rs50 billion for schemes of members of parliament. The government plans to spend Rs134.2 million for infrastructure development in the federal capital, Rs100 million for the restoration and upgradation of the National Archives, and Rs650 million for the construction of the Hajj Complex in Lahore.
Express Tribune
11-05-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Astronaut mission – Pakistan set sights on stars
In a milestone that marks a new chapter in Pakistan's scientific evolution, the nation is preparing to send its very first astronaut into space – an achievement once seemed a distant dream, now transforming into a tangible reality. With the ink freshly dried on a landmark cooperation agreement between Pakistan's national space agency Suparco and the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), the countdown has begun for a historic journey to Chinese Space Station (CSS), Tiangong. Under this agreement, two Pakistani astronauts will undergo rigorous training at Astronaut Centre of China. One of them will ultimately be chosen as a scientific payload specialist, entrusted with conducting advanced research aboard the CSS. The selection process, slated for completion by 2026, will culminate in the astronaut joining one of China's upcoming missions. The significance of this venture extends far beyond the symbolic achievement of a Pakistani in space. The astronaut's mission aboard the CSS will include cutting-edge scientific experiments in biology, fluid mechanics, medical science, material studies, space radiation and more fields with far-reaching implications for life on Earth. The Chinese station is equipped with state-of-the-art research modules that offer a unique microgravity environment, allowing scientists to conduct studies impossible to replicate on Earth. "This agreement is a landmark in Pakistan's space journey," said Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) Chairman Mohammad Yousuf Khan. "It reflects our perseverance, adaptability, and technological strides we have made in recent years."
Express Tribune
04-04-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Pakistan to send astronauts to China for first space training: Suparco
Pakistan is the first country to send astronauts to the Chinese Space Station. PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Listen to article Pakistan will send two astronauts to China for training under a landmark space collaboration agreement, becoming the first foreign nation to join Beijing's prestigious space station training programme. The announcement was made by Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) Director Shafaat Ali on Friday. Speaking to a private news outlet, Ali confirmed that the two astronauts will be selected based on merit, with eligibility criteria including PhD qualifications, aviation experience, and stringent physical standards. The collaboration comes under an agreement signed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government, marking a historic step in Pakistan-China space ties. 'This partnership opens new avenues for advanced scientific research and strengthens the already robust strategic relationship between the two countries,' Ali said. Until now, astronaut training in China had been limited to its own citizens. This shift, Suparco noted, reflects deepening trust and a shared vision for space exploration. Ali outlined a three-phase selection process that will conclude by 2026, with the chosen candidates expected to conduct cutting-edge scientific experiments aboard the Chinese Space Station (CSS). Research areas will include microgravity, space radiation, fluid mechanics, astronomy, and biological sciences. Expressing gratitude to the Chinese government and Prime Minister Sharif, Ali said the initiative marks 'a giant leap' for Pakistan's space ambitions.
Express Tribune
19-03-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Arab countries, Pakistan likely to observe Eid on same day
Arab countries, Pakistan likely to observe Eid on same day Listen to article The International Astronomy Centre confirmed on Wednesday that the crescent moon of Shawwal will be impossible to sight on Saturday, March 29, across all regions of the Arab and Islamic world. This is due to the moon setting before the sun, with the conjunction occurring after sunset. As a result, observing the crescent moon, whether by the naked eye, telescopes, or other means, will be unfeasible on March 29. For countries requiring an actual sighting to mark the start of Shawwal, Ramadan will likely extend to 30 days, with Eid Al Fitr falling on Monday, March 31. However, in some regions where the conjunction occurs before sunset, allowing the moon to set after sunset, some countries may choose to declare Eid on Sunday, March 30, following traditional moon-sighting practices. Notably, a partial solar eclipse will be visible at noon on Saturday in parts of the western Arab world, including Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. This event serves as definitive proof that the crescent moon cannot be seen at that time. Given the scientific evidence, authorities have warned against false claims of sighting the crescent on that day, stressing that such reports would contradict established astronomical facts. Earlier, the Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) had forecasted that the Shawwal moon will be visible on March 30, suggesting that Eid ul-Fitr will likely fall on March 31, 2025. As a result, most of the Islamic world is expected to observe Eid on the same day, March 31.
Express Tribune
01-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Space ambitions
Listen to article Pakistan is poised to make history by sending its first astronaut into space, a move made possible through an agreement between the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) and the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). Under this partnership, two Pakistani astronauts will undergo training in China, with one eventually joining a mission aboard the China Space Station. This is undoubtedly a significant step forward, signaling Pakistan's growing interest in space exploration. The initiative reflects the deepening of bilateral ties and opens new avenues for collaboration in space exploration. However, beneath the excitement, Pakistan's role in this mission is largely symbolic. The training, research and execution of the mission are all happening in China, with Pakistan contributing little in terms of technology or expertise. While international collaboration is essential, it must serve as a stepping stone toward self-sufficiency, not a permanent model of dependence. Suparco, once a regional pioneer, has failed to keep pace with global advancements. In contrast, India's space programme has developed its own launch vehicles, sent missions to Mars and the Moon, and is now preparing for manned spaceflight. Pakistan, on the other hand, has struggled to build a sustainable space programme, relying entirely on foreign assistance for satellite launches and now, for astronaut training. Pakistan must invest in local research, setting up advanced astronaut training facilities and fostering an ecosystem that encourages innovation in aerospace technology. The government must recognise that space exploration has tangible benefits, including advancements in satellite communication, climate monitoring and national security. Strengthening ties with China is a step in the right direction, but it should be accompanied by policies that prioritise local development. A smart government does not merely celebrate, it ensures that knowledge transfer leads to indigenous growth.
