Pakistan’s ambitions in human spaceflight received a significant boost after the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved Rs. 860 million in additional funding for key space sector projects.

The approval was granted during an ECC meeting chaired by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb. The funding, requested by the Strategic Plans Division (SPD) and the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), will support two major Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) initiatives.

These include the establishment of deep space and astronomical observatories across Pakistan and the advancement of the country’s planned manned space mission program.

The allocation marks another step in Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen its space research capabilities and expand its presence in advanced scientific and technological fields. The planned observatories are expected to enhance astronomical research, while the manned space mission project aims to develop the foundations necessary for future human spaceflight initiatives.

The ECC approved the grant as part of a broader review of funding proposals submitted by various ministries and government departments.