Pakistan began its space journey in 1961 by creating the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), joining the early space exploration efforts. In 1962, it achieved an important milestone by launching its first indigenous rocket, Rehbar-1. This made Pakistan the third Asian nation and the tenth globally with this capability.
The next year, it introduced an improved version called Rehbar-2. However, Pakistan’s space program slowed down after India’s nuclear tests in 1974, as Pakistan focused on its own nuclear program.
In 1990 and 2001, Pakistan launched its own communication satellites, Badar-1 and Badar-2. Although Pakistan has shown commitment, it hasn’t consistently dedicated sufficient resources to develop a Space Launch Vehicle (SLV) capability, unlike its neighbor India.
Despite having the necessary technical expertise and workforce, Pakistan hasn’t gained a strong presence among countries capable of launching satellites and manned vehicles using SLVs. Alongside, Pakistan’s military nuclear program involves creating multi-stage intercontinental ballistic missiles, which also require basic launch mechanisms.
