A Review of The National Space Policy of Pakistan

Technology has revolutionised contemporary life and sparked human aspirations to explore space. The National Space Policy of Pakistan (NSPP)-2024 sets space exploration goals to propel Pakistan towards prosperity. This Insight examines the NSPP-2024 and presents its elemental analysis.

Pakistan's space programme has a rich legacy, developed under the supervision of the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) in the early 1960s. Pakistan stepped into space with its first rocket, Rehbar-1, with the help of the United States Space Agency in 1962. Over the decades, SUPARCO has progressed and launched indigenously built satellites, including remote sensing and communication satellites. This rich history of achievements is a source of pride and inspiration for the nation. After more than half a century spent in space navigation, the NSPP was launched in January 2024, setting forth guidelines for space exploration to enhance national security and prosperity. The NSPP-2024 is a watershed event that will unfold new avenues of progress in space orbits for Pakistan.

The NSPP comprises six segments: introduction, objectives, principles, thrust areas, comprehensive guidelines, implementation, and monitoring. This comprehensive structure ensures that all aspects of space policy and technology are considered and addressed, instilling a sense of reassurance and confidence in its effectiveness. The policy envisions improving the ‘quality of life of people of Pakistan while safeguarding national interest and sovereignty’ and provides detailed guidelines to achieve these objectives.

The policy provides directions for future space endeavours and aims to achieve socioeconomic development and enhance national security through space technologies. It is a beacon of hope, as it shows that Pakistan can achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the objectives of its National Vision 2025. This strategic plan aims to improve citizens’ living standards through robust space programmes. This policy emphasises self-reliance in the technology sector while strengthening international cooperation, aligning with the nation’s strategic vision.

The NSPP’s eight thrust areas reflect its key objectives. These objectives include space technology applications, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education, infrastructure and local industry, space education and awareness, international collaboration, sustainable use of space, and formulation of space laws and regulations. This thorough plan ensures that all aspects of space policy and technology are considered and addressed.

The NSPP also provides comprehensive guidelines to achieve these objectives. One pivotal prerequisite for advancing space exploration is acquiring a robust mechanism for formulating national space policies and laws. NSPP closed this legislative gap in the space sector by declaring SUPARCO the National Space Agency of Pakistan. With its expertise and resources, SUPARCO, in coordination with relevant federal and provincial ministries, is in charge of carrying out all space-related activities and is also responsible for implementing, monitoring, and reviewing space policy.

Another important aspect of NSPP is its suggestion to form public-private partnerships to fund the research and development sector. The government can accomplish this by providing incentives to private partners. The policy underscores the role of space technologies in addressing current governance issues such as cyber challenges, urban development, climate change, and disaster mitigation.

The policy also guides using space as a diplomatic tool to achieve foreign policy objectives and strengthen international relations. Regional and international space collaborations have been sought to facilitate investment and technology transfers. These collaborations could involve joint space missions, technology sharing agreements, or participation in international space organizations. Pakistan shall continue advocating for international laws for the sustainable and peaceful use of space, demonstrating its commitment to global cooperation and the prevention of space weaponisation.

The NSPP aims to revitalise Pakistan’s longstanding efforts to use space peacefully through political commitment and dynamic international relations. The strategic plan promises to add immense value to the country’s ongoing space programme. Pakistan’s use of its space programme for peaceful purposes and socioeconomic development is a testament to the potential benefits of the NSPP 2024.

Pakistan prioritises international cooperation in space and is also part of regional and international space agencies. It is evident from Pakistan’s close collaboration with major spacefaring nations like the US, China, and Russia. Pakistan and the US cooperated in the early decades of SUPARCO, while China emerged as a pivotal space partner in the 21st century. Pakistan also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia on space cooperation that can be revived now. Thus, Pakistan’s global outlook on space cooperation can be advanced in light of the NSPP.

Furthermore, NSPP reflects Pakistan’s determined pursuit of space resources. Significant milestones have been achieved in this regard. These include the launch of its first deep space mission, ICUBE-QAMAR, on 3 May 2024 in collaboration with China under the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO) Framework. Additionally, Pakistan has launched PakSAT-MM1, a communication satellite intended to promote socioeconomic development and digitalisation within the country. Pakistan aims to launch five GEO satellites and six Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, as outlined in its Space Vision 2047. The success of this Vision will play a crucial role in determining the success of NSPP.

SUPARCO is also establishing PSARB to prevent unauthorised satellite launches and assist in their registration. Ecosystems within universities are planned to foster academia-professional connections, promote Indigenous development, and public outreach through partnerships with private partners.

Although NSPP has paved the way for Pakistan’s space programme's success, consistent budgetary allocations will ensure its continuity and success. Moreover, the next step will be planning and operationalising its objectives through quantifiable measures. The process will take time since it is a debut policy launched only a few months ago.

NSPP aligns with Pakistan’s ongoing space programme. All ongoing projects have been gathered under its umbrella. It is a crucial step towards establishing guidelines for utilising advanced space technologies for national development and security. It also complies with international obligations for the peaceful uses of space technologies, showcasing Pakistan’s commitment to global peace and cooperation and creating a legal framework for sustainable space usage. Advanced space technologies can help Pakistan tackle various governance-related challenges, including resource and risk management and urban planning. Achieving the objectives and implementing the NSPP will require international cooperation, public-private partnerships, and steadfast political commitment.