Why is Pakistan lagging behind in space exploration?

The launch of the Chandrayaan-3 mission has further solidified the position of the Indian Space Research Organization in the world of space exploration. With the lunar mission landing planned for August, India will become the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon, joining the United States, Russia and China.

Shortly after the launch of India’s lunar mission, a clip of Pakistan’s former Science and Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhry appeared on social media apparently mocking the Chandrayaan-3 mission. He is heard saying: “There is no need to do so much papad. (You don’t have to work that hard to spot the Moon.)” By contrast, Qaisar Rashid, a columnist for daily schedules, He praised India’s Chandrayaan mission and the country’s achievements in the IT and space sector. He also drew parallels with Pakistan, noting its struggles with internal conflicts and an orthodox education system.

Although both countries share regional proximity, their trajectories in space exploration differ significantly. Let’s look at some critical factors that have contributed to Pakistan’s lag in space dominance.

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One of the reasons attributed to the delay in space exploration is Pakistan’s struggle with persistent economic challenges, which hinders significant investment in space research and exploration. The country is currently facing its worst economic crisis in decades, with growth slowing to record levels amid skyrocketing inflation and interest rates. GDP expanded by a meager 0.29 percent for the fiscal year that ended June 30, the fifth time in the country’s history with growth below 1 percent, according to the National Accounts Committee report.

Established in 1961, eight years before ISRO, Pakistan’s space organization, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), has lagged behind ISRO, which is among the top 10 largest space agencies worldwide. India allocated Rs 12,543.91 crore to its space department this year, while Pakistan allocated PKR 739.51 crore to SUPARCO-related Public Sector Development Projects (PSDPs) in the last fiscal year, according to a report. for pakistan today.

While India’s lunar mission sails smoothly in space (at least so far), the country is also gearing up for its ambitious maiden manned spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for 2023 or 2024. ISRO is also gearing up for its first space expedition to study the Sun with Aditya L-1, scheduled for August this year.

By contrast, Pakistan’s space agency had limited activity until the 1990s and is now working on its 2040 space program to catch up with its Indian and Chinese counterparts.

In addition to economic challenges, the lack of a well-developed information technology (IT) sector in Pakistan is also said to have impeded the country’s progress in space exploration. By contrast, India’s robust IT industry has played an important role in supporting the nation’s space advances by providing essential technological expertise.

“Despite Chinese aid, Pakistan’s Chandrayaan is nowhere to be seen and its IT sector is still rudimentary,” Qaisar Rashid notes in his article.

“Pakistan’s Chandrayaan has been lost in myopia, infighting and a lack of understanding of the world’s needs,” he adds.