Pakistan Space Programme and International Cooperation: History and Prospects

摘要

Pakistan was among the first 10 countries to start a space programme. Its space programme started upon the appointment of Dr. Abdus Salam (Noble Prize Winner) as the Chairman of the Space Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) in 1961. Owing to the prevailing unfavourable economic and political environment, coupled with regional instability and other factors, this programme could not persist for long. Recent efforts to overcome these mistakes and hurdles through an improved domestic strategy and smarter international relations are promising. Notably, success in this area can be ensured only with sustained political commitment to space development. To promote its space activities, Pakistan successfully conducted international cooperation with different countries and organisations. This article examines the Pakistan space programme and its cooperation with other countries, in particular, the shift in partnership from the United States to China. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.