July 16 marks the completion of 20 years of the launch of BADR-1, Pakistan's first indigenously built artificial satellite.

The launch was an achievement by a small team of dedicated Pakistanis opening a window of opportunity for the future generations.

BADR-1 was an experimental satellite manufactured to enhance local infrastructure and train human resources to undertake space missions especially for telecommunications, video broadcasting and monitoring of earth's resources.

The experience gained and the valuable data provided by the first satellite aided the design of the second experimental satellite, BADR-2.

BADR-2, a pre-operational system designed to serve as an experimental communication and an earth observation satellite, was launched in 2001 to provide hands-on experience in the development of space qualified hardware and software.

The satellite carried some experiments which were jointly prepared in collaboration with the ESA (European Space Agency) and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory of the UK.

For some of the development work, agencies other than Suparco were also involved. Suparco developed most of the satellite's on-board and ground control software with the assistance of a local software house.

It was hoped that through further development of space technology concrete steps would be taken to introduce space related curricula at all levels and encourage R&D at the university level, thus updating the relevant curricula at different levels.

It is important to note that the images acquired by earth observation satellites are helpful in planning development activities such as aligning new canals, monitoring agriculture/mining activities, water resources or deforestation, etc. Furthermore, the images can be used for surveillance.

A large number of developing and Muslim countries have satellites in the earth's orbit, while a couple of others have successfully launched satellites using their own launch vehicles.

India, with whom we traditionally compare our progress has left us far behind and is planning its second moon mission in 2013 after having successfully landed Chandrayaan-1 on the moon in 2008.

July 16 should serve as a reminder to take fresh look and set definitive goals that we aim to achieve within the next 10 to15 years.

Objectives of indigenous design and development of satellites, small satellite launch vehicles, ground tracking and control infrastructure and highly-skilled manpower need to be realised.

Immediate steps should be taken to impart space education from the primary to university levels. Education should aim to develop leadership through exploration and research.

A task force needs to be constituted to work in coordination with a strategic think tank (represented by different sectors of the economy) with the responsibility to provide a blueprint for achieving the set goals in technology development and innovation (technologies necessary for exploration and having practical applications to earth), education (with strong emphasis on sciences, mathematics and engineering), space science and applications and space operations.

The task force may undertake indigenisation of the earth observation and Paksat communication satellites as a step towards meeting the long-term objectives of Pakistan's space programme.

DR. ABDUL MAJID
Ex-Chairman, Suparco