KARACHI: Pakistan will launch five more weather rockets to achieve the target of 12. Seven weather rockets launched so far have all been successful. In all, 18 such rockets had been bought by Pakistan for launching under the International Indian Ocean Expedition Plan. In view of the success achieved so far, the target of 12 rockets may be extended. These weather rockets are being launched in addition to Rehbar series of four rockets.

Various achievements in the field of space science by Pakistan were reviewed by the SUPARCO — Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Re­­search Committee (SUPARCO) in Karachi on Saturday [July 25].

President Ayub Khan presided over the meeting, which was attended by prominent scientists connected with space research in the country.

In view of the success achieved so far in launching rockets, Pakistan may collaborate with Iran and Turkey in the field of space science under the recent Istanbul accord.

While Pakistan started space research in 1962, and has made good progress, Iran and Turkey have yet to reach this stage. The SUPARCO meeting was apprised of the results achieved so far, and the future programme. The meeting approved the constitution of the SUPARCO.

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2014