ISLAMABAD – Government of Pakistan will establish the Pakistan Space Centre(PSC) to start the domestic development and manufacturing of satellites.According to a report by Pakistan’s state-owned Associated Press ofPakistan (APP)link>,the PSC will undertake its programs *“in accordance with internationalspace 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” resolutionimage capture capability.Second, the Pakistan Navigation Satellite System(PakNav), which will provide Pakistan with “independent satellitenavigation 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 contract with China Great Wall IndustryCorporation (CGWIC) for a *“gap filler satellite” *orbiting in the intendedorbital location of the PakSat-MM1. As per the MoU, CGWIC and Pakistan willshare the cost of the production, launch, and operations of the satellitesequally.