ISLAMBAD – On 14 May 2018, the Government of Pakistan announced that itwill establish the Pakistan Space Centre (PSC) to start the domesticdevelopment and manufacturing of satellites. According to a report byPakistan’s state-owned APP the PSC will undertake its programs *“inaccordance with international space standards”* in the coming years.

The APP also reports that Pakistan will complete feasibility studies fortwo new projects:

– Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite 02 (PRSS-02) with “sub-meter” resolution image capture capability. – Second, the Pakistan Navigation Satellite System (PakNav), which will provide Pakistan with “independent satellite navigation for both civilian and strategic purposes”.

The PRSS-1 was initially scheduled for launch (by China) in March 2018, butthis has been delayed due to some reasons. However, Pakistan is stillcommitted to launching it in 2018.

The initiative, if it becomes a reality, would be a big step forward to thespace development programs in Pakistan.

Recently, Pakistan and China signed an agreement for the development andlaunch of PakSat Multi-Mission Satelite (PakSat-MM1) as well. PakSat-MM1will primarily function as a communications satellite with the capabilityto provide Direct-to-Home (DTH) services. The PakSat-MM1 will primarilyserve a commercial role, e.g. provide Direct-to-Home (DTH) services.

In April 2018, Pakistan also signed a contract with China Great WallIndustry Corporation (CGWIC) for a *“gap filler satellite” *orbiting in theintended orbital location of the PakSat-MM1. As per the MoU, CGWIC andPakistan will share the cost of the production, launch, and operations ofthe satellites equally.