PAKISTAN’s SPACE PROGRAM
– OPPORTUNITIES FOR R&D
Dr. M. RIAZ SUDDLE (SI)
MEMBER (SPACE TECHNOLOGY WING),
SUPARCO
19th December, 2009
University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore.
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Outline
Introduction
 Pakistan’s Space Program
 Current Space Projects
 Satellite related R&D infrastructure
 Human Resource Development
 Trends in Satellite Communications
 Possible Research Directions
 Concluding Remarks
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INTRODUCTION
Background
Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere
Research Commission (SUPARCO),
the National Space Agency is mandated
to conduct R&D in space science, Space
Technology, and their peaceful applications in Pakistan. It works towards
developing indigenous capabilities in space technology and promoting
space applications for socio-economic uplift of the country.
Organizational Structure
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Chairman
Member (Space Technology)
Member (Space Electronics)
Member (Space Application Research)
Member (Range and Instrumentation)
Member (Finance)
Secretary
Location of Facilities
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Karachi
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Multan
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Headquarters
Space Applications & Research Center
Remote Sensing Applications Directorate
Space & Atmospheric Research Directorate
Space Science Section
Karachi Ionospheric Station
Geomagnetic Observatory
Astronomy
National Center for Remote Sensing and
Geoinformatics (NCRG)
Satellite Research & Development
Center for Remote Sensing Satellite
Space & Atmospheric Research Station
Lahore
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Satellite Research & Development Center
for Communication Satellite
Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C)
station
Space Application & Research Cell
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Islamabad
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Satellite Ground Station
Ionospheric Research Station
Geomagnetic Observatory
Peshawar
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Space Application & Research
Center
Major Milestones Achieved
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1961: Established as a Committee
1962: Launched Rehbar-I and Rehbar-II (two-stage rockets)
1981: Acquired the status of a Commission
1989: Established SPOT/NOAA/Landsat Satellites Receiving
Station near Islamabad
1990: Launched its 1st experimental satellite BADR-1
1994: Established VHF/UHF/S-Band satellite TT&C station in
Lahore
2001: Launched its 2nd experimental satellite BADR-B
2002: Leased HGS-3 satellite and relocated it as Paksat-1
2008: Initiated implementation of Paksat-1R satellite
Badr-1
Launched on 16 July 1990 from a Chinese launcher (LM-2E)
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Project Objectives
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To acquire know-how for indigenous development
of satellites and to create infrastructure for future
satellite development activities
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To test the performance of indigenously developed
satellite hardware in the space Environment
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To demonstrate Store-and-Forward type message communications
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To educate the country's academic and scientific community in the tracking and use
of low-earth-orbiting satellites
Broad Design Parameters
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Size: ~482 mm (sphere)
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Mass: ~50 Kg
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Life time: 06 months (approx)
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Payload: Store and Forward Experiment (SAFE)
Badr-B
Launched on 10 Dec 2001 from a Russian launcher (Zenit)
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Project Objectives
• Development of low cost satellites and creating necessary
infrastructure for future satellite development activities
• Development of know-how and capability in the field of satellite
attitude control and stabilization
• Acquire know-how and technology for earth imaging using
CCD sensors
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Broad Design Parameters
• Size: 510mm x 510mm x 465mm (approx)
• Mass: ~70kg
• Lifetime: 2 years (approx)
• Payloads: CCD cameras, Compact Dosimeter, End of Charge Detector, Store &
• Forward Experiment (SAFE)
• Launched on 10 Dec 2001 from a Russian launcher (Zenit)
PAKISTAN’s SPACE PROGRAM
Elements of Pakistan’s Space Program
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Satellite Development Program
Remote Sensing & GIS Applications
Space Science
Core Technologies Development
International Cooperation
Infrastructure Development
Satellite Development Program
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GEO Satellites – Paksat Series
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Paksat-1 (Extension)
Paksat-1R
Paksat-MM1
Paksat-MM2
Paksat-2
Satellite Development Program
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LEO Satellites
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PRSS-O1
PRSS-S1
PRSS-O2
PRSS-S2
PRSS-O3
PRSS-S3
CURRENT SPACE PROJECTS
Current Space Projects
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Paksat-1
Pakistan Communication Satellite System
(Paksat-1R)
Remote Sensing Satellite System (RSSS)
Assembly Integration and Test Centre (AITC)
Paksat-1
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Leased from Hughes (USA) in Dec 2002
Has 34 transponders (24 Standard C, 6 Extended C and 4 Ku)
Current usage about 22.93 TPE (36MHz)
Communication Signal Monitoring
and Technical Support from SRDC Lhr
Customers in Pakistan and across Middle
East, Africa,
East South Asia and Europe
Paksat-1R Satellite
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Platform:
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Payload:
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CAST DFH-4
3-axis stabilized
≈ 7 KW Power
15 years service life
12 C-band Transponders
18 Ku-band Transponders
Coverage/ Footprints:
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C-Band: Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Iran, parts of Middle East, eastern
coastal countries of African continent and parts of Europe
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Ku-Band: Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, UAE,
Oman, Parts of Iran and Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Parts of China
RSSS
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Approved in principle by the GoP
Feasibility and System Definition Study conducted in 2007,
recommending launch of one Optical and one Synthetic
Aperture Radar (SAR) Satellite
Launch of Optical Satellite in the 1st step, having ~2m PAN
and ~4m MS resolution and 5-7 yrs life
Implementation will start after the funds are made
available
Assembly Integration and Test Centre
(AITC)
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To facilitate indigenous assembly, integration and testing of
various types of satellites of our national needs, including:
• Telecommunication
• Optical Imaging
• Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
• Weather
• Navigation
• Early Warning
Currently in planning phase
SATELLITE RELATED R&D
INFRASTRUCTURE
Design and Development Labs
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Power System Lab
On-Board Computer Lab
Diplexer and Multiplexer Lab
Amplifiers and Filters Lab
Communication System Integration Lab
Telemetry and Telecommand Lab
Electronics Lab
Digital Signal Processing Lab
Attitude Orbit & Control System Lab
Onboard Data Handling Lab
Digital System Lab
RF System Lab
Imaging Payload Lab
Spectrum Engineering Lab
Design and Development Labs
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Channel Coding Lab
Source Coding Lab
Embedded Systems Lab
Spacecraft Power Systems Lab
Mechanisms & MEMS Lab
AOC Sensors Lab
AOC Actuators Lab
Satellite Structures Lab
Thermal Control Lab
Attitude & Orbit Control System Lab
TCR Link Security Lab
Spacecraft Propulsion & Pyro Techniques Lab
(cont’d)
Design and Development Labs
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Satellite Systems Engineering Lab
Satellite Communications Lab
Concurrent Engineering Lab
Mission Planning and Design Lab
ASIC & FPGA Lab
TCR Lab
Solar Array Lab
BCR & BDR Lab
PC&D Lab
System Integration Lab
Transponder Lab
Antenna Lab
(cont’d)
R&D Facilities
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Satellite Assembly Integration and Test (SAINT) Facility
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Environmental Validation Testing (EVT) Facility
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Compact Antenna Test Range (CATR) Facility
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SAINT Support Workshop (SSW)
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Remote Sensing Data Transmission (RSDT) Facility
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Satellite Bus Development (SBD) Facility
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Satellite Dynamic System Test (SDST) Facility
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Attitude and Orbital Control System (AOCS) Center
Indigenous Capability Development
(cont’d)
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Industry approach:
• Prototype/Engineering Model (EM)
• Engineering Qualification Model (EQM)
• Qualification Model (QM)
• Flight Model (FM)/ Proto-Flight Model (PFM)
Indigenous Capability Development
(cont’d)
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Prototype Paksat-1R
• The project was aimed to enhance the know-how of young scientists
and engineers about communication satellite engineering.
Commercial components were used to keep the cost low since the
satellite will only be a functional lab model
• Prototype Paksat-1R is a communication satellite, which has three Cband Transponders as the communication payload
• All the subsystems have been designed and developed indigenously
• Integration and testing have also been performed
• The project was completed in three years time
Indigenous Capability Development
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Prototype Paksat-1R bus comprised the following subsystem:
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Computer (based on Intel 80188EB microprocessor)
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Power subsystem
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Telemetry subsystem
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Telecommand subsystem
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Attitude and Orbit Determination and Control subsystem
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S-band RF communication subsystem
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Thermal Control subsystem
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Satellite Structure
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Mechanisms for:
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Antenna Deployment
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Solar Array Deployment
(cont’d)
Indigenous Capability Development
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Prototype Paksat-1R
Indigenous Capability Development
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EQM Paksat-1R:
• Already developed sub-systems/units:
o On-Board Computer (OBC)
o Telemetry Subsystem (TM)
o Telecommand Subsystem (TC)
o C-band Transponder
o S-band Communication Subsystem
Indigenous Capability Development
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Customer furnished Instruments (CFIs)
• To design, develop / manufacture and integrate into
Paksat-1R satellite the following 04 electronic equipment,
as an experimental / auxiliary payload for validating
their designs and technology:
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Telemetry (TM)
Tele-command (TC)
On-Board Data Handling (OBDH)
Power Conditioning & Distribution (PCD)
Mass:
≈ 50 Kg
Volume:
≈ 36”(L) X 30” (W) X 15”(H)
Power Dissipation
≈ 300 Watt
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Human Resource Development (HRD)
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To meet the huge requirements of the NSDP an ambitious and rigorous HRD
programme is being undertaken
Main elements of the HRD program:
• MS/PhD (local & abroad)
• Short Trainings (local & abroad)
• Conferences, Seminar & Workshops
• On the Job Trainings (local & abroad)
• Hands on Trainings (in-house)
• Comprehensive KHTT embedded in Paksat-1R program
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Several hundred already trained and a very large number currently
undergoing training
TRENDS IN SATELLITE
COMMUNICATIONS
Composition of a Typical Satellite
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Platform:
• Structure Subsystem (SS)
• Thermal Subsystem (TS)
• Unified Propulsion Subsystem (UPS)
• Attitude Orbit Control Subsystem (AOCS)
• On-Board Data Handling (OBDH) Subsystem
• Telemetry Command & Ranging (TC&R)
Subsystem
• Electrical Power Subsystem (EPS)
Composition of a Typical Satellite
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Payload (either of the following):
• Transponder
• Optical Telescope/Camera
• Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
• Infrared Telescope
• Radiometer
• Atomic Clock
Some Example Satellites
SPOT-5 (imaging)
Skynet 5 (mil satcom)
Some Example Satellites
(Cont’d)
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GPS (navigation)
Meteosat (weather)
Trends in Satellite Communications
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Communication Satellite Technology
• Modular and expandable subsystems/units/modules
• On-board Digital Multiplexing - Skyplex
• Flexible Payloads
• Milsatcom Payloads
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Satellite Communication Applications
• Digital Video Broadcast to Handheld via Hybrid Satellite/Terrestrial
Network
• IP on the move for Aircraft, Trains and Boats
• From 3G Mobile TV to Unlimited Mobile TV
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Satellite Communication Terminals
• Mobile Satellite Terminals
• Mobile Digital Satellite News Gathering Systems (M-DSNG)
On-board Digital Multiplexing - Skyplex
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 Skyplex is a payload designed for
onboard digital multiplexing.
 The multiplexing facility provides
much more flexibility and lower
operating costs, because
broadcasters can uplink services
directly.
 Skyplex can receive video, audio
and data uplink signals from several
different geographic locations, and
multiplex them into a single DVB
downlink signal.
Skyplex Technology-based Communication System
On-board Digital Multiplexing - Skyplex
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SkyplexNet architecture – examples of two-way services
Flexible Payloads
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Requirements:
 Match bandwidth and power resource to time varying traffic demands
 Trend towards systems with larger numbers of narrow beams
 Requirement to support high level of frequency reuse within frequency
planning constraints
 Transparent digital processing offers a powerful solution which
provides the following aspects of flexibility
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Flexible channel to beam routing
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Flexible frequency mapping
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Flexibility in channel gain
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Flexibility in channel beam properties
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Flexible air interface – including carrier width
 Transparent digital processing offers flexibility at a significantly finer
granularity than analogue solutions
Milsatcom Payloads
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Access to greater bandwidth – Ka band &
frequency reuse
 Flexibility – Coverage, Power and Bandwidth
 Communication to handheld terminals via Higher
power payloads
 Leveraging Future Military Capability from
Commercial Developments
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Digital Video Broadcast to Handheld via Hybrid
Satellite/Terrestrial Network
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content adaptation &
aggregates TV
programs into service
bundles
Geo-stationary satellites that
amplify and convert the DVB-H
based signals to the terminals in
the targeted IMT2000 frequency
band
Contains
features
needed to
receive &
combine
DVB-H based
signals
hub that maps the
service bundles to
the satellite carrier
resources
Terrestrial repeaters
that broadcast the
DVB-H based signal
to the terminals in
the targeted IMT2000
frequency band;
IP on the move for Aircraft, Trains and Boats
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Satellite technology is used to backhaul a wireless (WiFi
or GSM) local loop; it allows the end user to connect his
own device (laptop, PDA or mobile phone) to the Internet
while traveling the world.
Giving IP connectivity to trains, aircraft and vessels also
creates a way for transport operators either to create a
new revenue stream, or to use this facility for their own
needs.
Such systems are typically based on a classical star
topology as deployed for fixed broadband services, the
space segment being used as transparent repeaters.
Mobile Satellite Terminal
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Mobile Digital Satellite News Gathering
Systems (M-DSNG)
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This system offers a true on-the-move communication for
shoot and move applications, e.g.
Disaster
 Military operations
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M-DSNG enables
Crew to transmit and receive programming while the vehicle
is in motion
 Increase productivity
 Access to cooperate LAN
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Access film libraries
 VIOP, data
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Shoot, edit, transmit story while on the move
POSSIBLE RESEARCH DIRECTIONs
Technologies and Engineering Disciplines
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Aerospace Engineering
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Mechanical Engineering
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Electrical/Electronics Engineering
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Communication System Engineering
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Chemical Engineering
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Systems Engineering
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Software Engineering
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Metallergical Engineering
Relevant Specialist Fields & Technologies
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Rechargeable Batteries
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Composite Materials
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Solar Cells and Solar Power Generation
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Space Materials
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Microwave Systems
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Propellants
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Imaging and Inertial Sensors
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Polymers
and Systems
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Racket Propulsion
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Embedded Systems
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Remote Sensing and
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Fault Telerant Computer Systems
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Space Radiation
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Control Systems
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Space Structures and Mechanisms
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Nanotechnology
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Space Systems Engineering
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DSP
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Thermal Control
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Antenna Systems
GIS Technologies
CONCLUDING REMARKS
Concluding Remarks
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Since its modest start in early 60s, Pakistan/
SUPARCO’s Space/Satellite Program has been
progressing in line with the resources made available
However, there has been a surge in the development
of Space Science & Technology in Pakistan since
early 2001
Pakistan/SUPARCO has lately embarked on a highly
ambitious and challenging Space/Satellite Program
SUPARCO has been rapidly developing R&D
facilities and infrastructure required for the
implementation of our Space/Satellite Program
Concluding Remarks
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(Cont’d)
SUPARCO offers excellent R&D opportunities in the
highly specialized field of Space Technology
SUPARCO requires a large number of talented and
highly enthusiastic young engineers to work on its
Space/Satellite Program
Thank You!
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Q&A
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