Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission

The Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, commonly referred to as SUPARCO, is the independent agency of the Government of Pakistan responsible for the national civilian space program.

    Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission
    خلائی و بالائے فضائی تحقیقاتی مأموریہ
    SUPARCO Rear-headquarters in Karachi, Sindh
    Agency overview
    AbbreviationSUPARCO
    Formed16 September 1961 (1961-09-16)
    TypeSpace agency
    JurisdictionGovernment of Pakistan
    StatusActive
    HeadquartersIslamabad-45900, Pakistan
    Chairman
    		Mohammad Yusuf Khan
    OwnerGovernment of Pakistan
    Annual budget Rs. 7.3951 billion (US$25.61 million)
    (2022-23)
    Websitesuparco.gov.pk

    Established in 1961 with an objective to learn the art of rocketry and high altitude research from the United States, the agency worked to develop the capacity for a national satellite program, eventually launching Pakistan's first satellite from China in 1990. The agency was also an early participant and competitor in rocket development program sponsored by the Ministry of Defence of Pakistan.

    The agency leads the national satellite program and maintains an orbital operation of its satellites with support facilities throughout the country. The agency has sustained significant criticism within Pakistan for failing to compete with its Indian and Chinese counterparts in terms of capabilities— both of which countries have satellite launch capabilities– in spite of being established earlier than its competitors.

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