In the global space race, India’s ISRO has emerged as a prominent player, achieving remarkable feats like sending an orbiter to Mars on its first attempt. However, a lesser-known story lies in the contrasting journey of Pakistan’s SUPARCO, once a promising space agency that has since fallen behind. This article examines the factors behind the rise of ISRO and the decline of SUPARCO, shedding light on the impact of political decisions and scientific focus on the trajectory of space exploration.
The seeds of both space programs were sown during the Cold War-era space race between the US and the USSR. In 1957, the launch of Sputnik I by the USSR marked the beginning of this global competition, inspiring other nations to explore the final frontier. Pakistan, seeking to leverage the geopolitical landscape, seized the opportunity to collaborate with the US. The US, aiming to counter Soviet dominance, provided Pakistan with sounding rockets to study the upper atmosphere, helping SUPARCO gain valuable experience in rocketry. However, this early success was intertwined with the emergence of Pakistan’s Nobel laureate, Abdus Salam, a visionary scientist who played a pivotal role in establishing SUPARCO. He was instrumental in securing a nuclear reactor from Canada and advocating for scientific progress in Pakistan. SUPARCO’s early achievements include the launch of Rahbar-1 in 1962, marking Pakistan as the fourth Asian country to enter space.
Meanwhile, India’s space ambitions were fueled by the establishment of SUPARCO and the launch of Rahbar-1. India’s concern that Pakistan could leverage its space technology for military purposes spurred the development of its own space agency. A key figure in this endeavor was Vikram Sarabhai, a visionary scientist who, despite economic challenges, dreamt of taking India to space. His efforts led to the establishment of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962, and the subsequent formation of ISRO in 1969. ISRO adopted a “leapfrogging” approach, utilizing existing technologies from other nations to expedite its progress, and quickly began making strides in satellite technology and communication.
While both countries initially pursued space exploration, the trajectory of their respective space agencies diverged significantly. While ISRO focused on fundamental scientific research and development, SUPARCO’s direction shifted towards military technology, neglecting the foundation in basic sciences. Prof. Pervez Hoodbhoy, a Pakistani scientist and author, attributes SUPARCO’s downfall to a weak scientific base in Pakistan, particularly in physics and mathematics. He argues that a lack of investment in education and a scientific culture has hindered the agency’s growth. This shift in focus is further exemplified by the political climate in Pakistan, where military leaders assumed control of SUPARCO, relegating scientists to secondary roles.
The stark contrast between the treatment of Sarabhai and Salam also reflects the broader disparity in scientific cultures. While India embraced and lauded Sarabhai’s contributions, Salam, despite his genius, faced discrimination due to his religious background. His vision for Pakistan’s scientific development was curtailed, highlighting the significant impact of political decisions on scientific progress.
As ISRO continues to soar, reaching new heights in space exploration, SUPARCO faces a long road to recovery. The contrasting trajectories of these two space agencies serve as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the crucial role of strong scientific foundations, sustained investment in research and development, and a supportive political environment in fostering scientific progress and achieving space exploration milestones. The story of SUPARCO highlights the need for a nation to prioritize scientific advancement, ensuring its scientists are valued and supported in their endeavors.
