After questions from Pakistani school kids created a buzz on social media, prompting responses from astronauts, the space agency NASA and its STEM engagement circuit also answered their questions.
These questions came from students at Cornerstones school in Karachi, where the teacher posted the queries from the young space enthusiasts on Twitter. She tagged the agency and requested to share it so that everyone else can see and respond. Luckily, a very positive response was generated and soon answers started pouring in from professional astronauts and the space agencies.
In the post, we get a glimpse of the questions that ranged from inquires about the fuel used in a spaceship and whether it rains diamonds on Jupiter or not.
The teacher, Ms. Aimun, says that the kids were over the moon after hearing back from their heroes and couldn’t contain their excitement and surprise. It was definitely an encouraging and happy moment that will hopefully keep them motivated. She said that the students read about the advancements and in the field of space exploration in their course books and were inspired by their achievements.
Here’s a compilation of the recent responses received on the Twitter post of Ms. Aimun.
Hi Alisha! A spaceship, or "launch vehicle” is rocket-propelled & used to carry a spacecraft or humans to space. They may look similar, but no two are alike as they are very complex! @NASA rockets are powered by burning solid, liquid or gas rocket fuel 🚀 https://t.co/qAMvzVFph4pic.twitter.com/hdWxub3mHF
Alisha, Minahil, Haniyah, Mahrukh, Anabiya, & Rayyan – we're so happy you reached out! 🤩 We hope the stars align, so we can see you one day. ✨ Until then, we have virtual tours for you: https://t.co/GogRaIVUPx
💙 Stay curious & keep reaching for the stars. We believe in you!
Hi Minahil, there are a variety of careers to explore!🤩
STEM fields are a great starting point! Check out https://t.co/qEpWN5ZtSm, sharpen those STEM skills & you are on your way to launching an amazing career!🚀
Space sciences are definitely very interesting and there is a dire need for encouraging interests amongst the youth regarding this field. In Pakistan unfortunately, not much interest is laid on it. The conventional educational system rarely encourages to think out of the box. Making science fun and exciting should be the teacher’s priority so that we can have young energetic blood aiming for the skies. We wish these kids the best and hope that they will continue their quest for learning.
From SpaceX sending missions to the International Space Station to the development of state-of-the-art passenger planes, the aerospace industry worldwide seems to be moving in the right direction with a lot of progress and buildout. But in countries like Pakistan, it lags behind and needs a lot of rerouting to get in line with the rest of the developed world. We sat down with a design engineer to hear his thoughts on the current conditions of the aerospace industry of Pakistan and how it can catch up with the rest of the world.
Anique Ajmal Siddiqui did his O levels from Beaconhouse Karachi and later got admission to a Foundation Program at the Queen Mary University of London. He also completed his Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering from Queen Mary. After graduating in the summer of 2018, Anique returned to Pakistan and worked at Integrated Dynamics Aerospace and Robotics, a UAV manufacturing firm in Karachi.
Anique Ajmal Siddiqui is a design engineer and has a Bachelors degree from Queen Mary University of London.
Maham: You are primarily an aerospace engineer. Can you share a little about this industry’s background and how it is perceived in Pakistan, and what kind of work is being done these days, both nationally and internationally?
Anique: To be honest, if I tell someone in Pakistan that I am an aerospace engineer, they usually don’t know much about it, and the only company they can think of is NASA. For sure, it is one of the biggest names in the industry, but it is primarily a part of the spacecraft industry, which differs from the aircraft industry.
Internationally, a lot of work is being done on space exploration; all of this is part of the extensive research and development, from Europe to the USA to even India, as we have seen with their recent attempt to send a lunar lander.
In Pakistan, unfortunately, not much work is being done in R&D. Overall, in our sciences, there is not ample provision of funding that can lead to productive outcomes. Nationally, the organizations working at the government level include SUPARCO. But it isn’t making any strides. People here have a lot of interest; even my fellows from O levels used to speak about their fascination and discussed their desires to pursue it as a career. But I was the only student who did aerospace engineering; everyone else feared for lack of scope in Pakistan. People I met during the early days of my career echoed that thought.
The current Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Fawad Chaudhry, has pushed SUPARCO and has announced several projects, including a satellite launch in collaboration with China which is under consideration. However, the development and execution of the proposed projects are still much slower. In recent years, many startups have emerged. I’d like to mention Sara Qureshi of Aero Engine Craft, working on contrail-free aero engines. If her startup is provided funding and resources, it has the potential to be upscaled.
I am glad that in Pakistan, people are now acknowledging the potential. They have interest but are hesitant because of the lack of jobs. Even in the development of unmanned systems, communities and hobbyists are doing magnificent work.
Maham: In recent years, the aviation industry of Pakistan has been through several ups and downs. PIA is now in a state of downfall. What do you think went wrong?
Anique: PIA is marred by political issues and influences. The management hired people for jobs under political pressure and in excessive amounts; double and triple the number required. Now PIA is catering to them and providing benefits to everyone, including those who do not perform any work. On the other hand, Airblue and Serene are small aviation companies, but they are working really well. Serene recently purchased an A330-200 airplane, and Airblue made similar airbus purchases. Both these companies are moving forward slowly but progressively, unlike PIA, which I don’t see making progress anytime soon.
In recent years, PIA’s reputation has been severely damaged and it is unable to redeem itself due to constant political interruptions.
Fortunately, in Pakistan, new airlines are emerging. There is a lot of paperwork and documentation in the aviation industry, from managing routes to exporting aircraft. It takes 3 to 5 years for an aviation company to take off. Aviation is the backbone of tourism, which is being boosted by the Pakistani government, so our overall economic cycle will soon improve.
Maham: Where does the world stand in terms of progress in the aerospace industry, and what are the challenges being faced?
Anique: There is a lot of investment being done internationally in this field. The primary work is Research and Development. Space missions are costly, so the big companies are pouring in money. People like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are pursuing it, and they obviously know the general benefits of exploration. And the way they are investing, I am sure that we will see a lot of development in the coming decade.
If I use my insight generated from my experience in this industry, travel should take much less time than it does. In the coming years, people won’t have hours to spend on traveling. So, technologies are being developed to address that. There are also interests in renewable processes for aviation like electric airplanes, which are in the development phase in various countries. Technology is thriving, but issues arise from civil and federal aviation administration. It’s tough working along with their rules because one has to comply with many safety factors. In Pakistan, the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) industry in the private sector is unable to grow because there is no support from civil aviation. Secondly, the military also raises many red flags. This is a worldwide issue. But changes are being introduced so that people can get more opportunities.
Maham: In the middle of the last century, we saw many milestones being achieved. From the space race to imaging of the cosmos, it felt like we would soon reach other planets. But the pace reduced. What were the reasons?
Anique: There were a number of reasons for that. In America, many people opposed space exploration. There were conservative groups that called it natural exploitation and argued that there were no gains whatsoever. Now there is much more awareness. People are looking at other bodies that may support life, for Earth is being damaged. There were also several major setbacks like the 2003 Columbia disaster in which the entire crew lost their lives, which heavily impacted the space shuttle program, with people calling out for the risks and high stakes. There were funding issues as well because this type of work requires massive financing. Rockets were not reusable back then. The technology has just been perfected recently with the SpaceX initiatives. It was not practical at that time, but research and development continued.
TIME magazine cover depicting the tragic Columbia disaster. It was a severe blow to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program. Credits: TIME
Maham: With the current pace of development, can we really reach to Mars in the next decade?
Anique: In the coming decades, you will certainly see the product of a lot of work being done now. I don’t think it’ll be possible by the next decade, but indeed within the next 50 years, humans will reach Mars. Worldwide, there are a lot of precautions followed for experimenting with human life. Going to space takes a lot of time. But all big companies are looking into further exploration. Elon Musk himself is quite a visionary person and is very enthusiastic about Mars. Going to the Moon will be relatively easy. Considering the current progress, within 20 years, I think it will be feasible as a vacation spot.
Maham: As your work is on UAVs, how much progress do you think is being made in this sector in Pakistan? What are the problems arising?
Anique: In Pakistan now, quite a few companies have started working on UAVs. When I did my internship three years ago, there wasn’t any other company working on it. When you tell someone from the public that you are working on drones, they ask whether you will go to Waziristan to drop a bomb. People who are not aware think of these as instruments of terror. There is a need to educate and change such perceptions.
Most of the work is being done in those sectors that are closely linked with the forces. There is a company in Islamabad called SATUMA that makes drones for forces. Recently, NUST students and faculty also designed a quadcopter for pesticide spraying and aerial imaging, showing that there is a lot of potential in this market. UAVs can help us do a lot of work in much less time. For example, courier services take a day to send something from Karachi to Islamabad, even though a flight takes two hours. One can send a fixed-wing that can drop a payload on the desired destination within hours. But the government doesn’t give that much of a free hand and prohibits the use of airspace. There are a lot of factors, documentation, legalities to comply with.
Maham: There is a lot of talent and interest in Pakistan, but there is still some hesitation and awareness issues. How do you think we can explore the potential and inspire people to come forward?
Anique: The most significant role in all of this will be of the organizations that are making progress even at a smaller level. People like Sara Qureshi can be symbols of motivation. I have met a lot of people who have a discouraging attitude. But it’s all about looking on the bright side.
Most of the companies in Pakistan are in the early phases. The general mindset is that people feel there aren’t enough engineers or facilities, which carries a lot of misconceptions. The basic conventional mindset compels people to look for a job after their degrees and earn just enough to support their homes, and they get stuck in a cycle. There is no personal or technical or even financial growth in it whatsoever. It is better to work and invest in your skills at an early level. Conventional businesses in Pakistan are going to be obsolete soon because, in the coming years, people will start investing in digital markets. People regularly complain about the lack of market. The market is always there; you just need to display that your work is feasible.
Most of the work is being done in those sectors that are closely linked with the forces. But many startups are emerging targeting the private sectors. Credits: Yang Shuo
Maham: What do you make of the environment in Pakistani universities given that you have studied abroad, and how can we excel like the rest of the world in the research sector?
Anique: The environment created in Pakistani universities pushes students to seek jobs after graduation. This primary mindset traps them, halting research. The faculty and universities should promote research, small businesses, use of technology. Folks should participate in science exhibitions, but they need to take it to the next level and commercialize their projects so that they can gain some incentive. There should be stimulation and incubation centers that can provide forums to think and collaborate. Where I used to study, multiple incubation centers were present that linked startups to various companies; 3D printers were readily available that were used by students for their projects, but that’s not the case in Pakistan. When there is the introduction of new concepts and deployment of exciting technologies, people get motivated.
Maham: We also hear a lot about air travel causing global warming and the aviation industry not being environment friendly. Does it really have that much damaging effects as claimed?
Anique: Air travel does have an impact on global warming, causing roughly 5 percent of it. Air traffic will increase massively by 2050. The aviation industry is set to grow on an even bigger level. But for such processes, you make sure it doesn’t exceed its boundaries. You will see engines in a few years that will be developed in a way not to impact global warming. Better electrical batteries are being developed to support green aviation and a zero emission, liquid hydrogen fuel aircraft by Airbus is also under development. All these new concepts will significantly change the dynamics of this industry.
Maham: What are your recommendations for those who want to enter this field?
Anique: There are technologies and small startups to which people should look up to in terms of increasing their knowledge but not for financial support as everything is still in the growth phase. Those still studying should expand their networks and learn about the recent developments. Visit forums outside the university as there is always a chance of stumbling upon a project that has the potential to be commercialized. Interested people should read more and invest some years in familiarizing themselves with the market.
For the folks longing for some stargazing events, here is a compilation of everything coming up in the skies of the fall season. It is going to be fantastic, so mark your calendars and get your telescopes ready.
Mars at Opposition
Keep the night skies of October 13 in check as Mars is going to make its closest approach to Earth. It will be in all its glory and is expected to be at its best since 2003. And such a fantastic opportunity is not going to come until December 8, 2022.
Orionids Meteor Shower
From Wednesday to Thursday, October 21 to 22, you will get to witness the Orionids meteor shower. It will appear its brightest after midnight when it will pass Earth with a speed of 20 meteors per hour.
Halloween Hunter’s Blue Moon
The second full moon of October will occur on Halloween night. It will not really be blue though and is given the name “Hunter’s Moon” because it rises in the east near the time of the sunset.
Leonids Meteor Shower
If you happen to miss the October meteor shower, worry not, as the month of November will also bring another shower with it. From November 16 to 17, the Leonids Meteor Shower will grace the skies. There will be an estimated 15 shooting stars per hour.
Moon Eclipse
The ‘Frosty’ or ‘Beaver’ Moon of November will hide behind the Earth’s penumbral shadow on the 30th day. It will be visible only from North and South America, Australia, and East Asia and will be the last penumbral lunar eclipse of the year.
‘Geminids Meteor Shower’ and a ‘Total Solar Eclipse’
Astronomy lovers and stargazers are in for a treat on December 14, 2020, as these two fantastical events will occur in the skies just hours apart. The 120 multi-colored shooting stars per hour will shower will be visible to everyone and will peak after midnight. The solar eclipse, on the other hand, will stretch through Chile and Argentina and will last for a few minutes only.
Jupiter and Saturn Conjunction
On the 21st day of December, which will also be the December Solstice, great conjunction of the planets Jupiter and Saturn will occur and will be visible in the western sky right after sunset. A great way to end the stargazing calendar.
Since 1969, Neil Armstrong, the first astronaut to rocket away from Earth and loop around the Moon, space exploration has been the most debatable topic of the decade. To seek beyond the limits has been the native nature of humans. Simultaneously the intriguing human brain questions the reason for this endeavor that costs such a considerable amount of money with apparently no benefits to the human race.
People have a bifurcated opinion about spaceflights. There is a significant ratio out there who decry the importance of such space exploration as a total waste of money, believing that there are more sensitive issues on earth like hunger, famine, poverty that need the spotlight. Although, such criticism was still there when some five hundred years ago, the European powers decided to sail across the planet to colonize other countries. And even was, when in 1960, the first satellite was launched into space, but look at the wonders of it in the space today!
The money spent on such missions does not just float away into the galaxy. Still, it opens the door into the world of innovations and possibilities with a treasure of resources and knowledge one’s mind is still not able to comprehend. To get an insight into how such exploration opens the frontier, we run down five top reasons why space exploration is significant.
Natural Resources
As the population is increasing on earth, the resources are burning out. It is a matter of time that we will deprive the essentials needed for our survival. In space, there is an unlimited stock of resources that we can bring back to our planet and suffice people’s needs here on Earth. And will probably make us move beyond the excuse to hike up the prices of the oil barrel.
Outer space is also a potential source of heavy metals like silver, platinum, and gold of more than 100 trillion dollars that can be used to generate money. Moreover, helium-3 (used in MRIs) and rare earth elements have been discovered from Moon, are used in electronics & solar panels.
Inventions
Spaceflights are responsible for many nifty inventions that we use daily, making our lives more comfortable and fun-loving. Speaking of inventions, freeze-dried food comes to our mind but it more than that. Heating blankets is one such example that uses the plastic coated with a reflected agent that was primarily invented by NASA to protect spacecraft and people in space, now used in helping accident victims staying warm. Nitinol, a flexible, resilient alloy used in braces, was also first designed to be used in satellites.
A space blanket
Electrolyte silver Iodizer now widely used as a Water purification system in recreational pools to kill bacteria, was also invented by NASA to purify astronauts’ drinking water. JPL played a leading role in developing a technology for capturing an excellent digital image for space programs. Later that technology helped to create CAT scanners and radiography. Artificial limbs are also a byproduct of NASA’s innovation into shock-absorbing material with robotic and extravehicular activities.
Numerous other innovations, including dust busters, LEDs, scratch-resistant lenses, ear thermometers, ear insulation, and much more, are the ‘spin-offs’ of space travel. Within the next few years, the space program is expected to improve our knowledge of solar energy power, cryogenics, and robotics expected to offer significant improvements in health care, energy and the environment, standard technology, and many other areas.
NASA’s Environmental Research
One must think that the guys who burn million pounds of rocket fuel are not environment-friendly people, but NASA has done more in the Earth science arena than many of us are even aware of. NASA has a distinguished contribution to Earth’s health and the inhabitants of this planet while being up there looking at all of us. One such miraculous piece of equipment NASA has is High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) used to track and understand Earth’s air quality.
NASA’s airborne radar devices are used to study climate change, for research on the flow of glaciers, and map the surface topography of the areas’ ice. These researches help scientists better understand the effects of global warming and what the future holds in climate change.
HSRL deployed in NASA Langley King Air B200. Credit: NASA
Another area of research that focuses on the production of clean fuel for life on Earth. NASA also plays an active role in educating people, making them more considerate to take care of their planet, and developing their interest by initiating projects like FIRST; an international robotic competition held each year with the thought process to aspire kids with science and engineering talents that will yield a generation of scientist in the future capable of solving the world’s biggest problems, including global warming, energy issues, pollution, and countless other issues affecting the environment.
Put Ourselves into Perspective
Kathy Sullivan, the first American woman to perform a spacewalk, said in an interview that;
“The thing that grew in me over these flights was a real motivation and desire … to not just enjoy these sights and take these pictures but to make it matter.”
Seeing the Earth from space can change a person’s perspective of how small and fragile our habitat is, and how vulnerable it is to the abuse we have done over the years. Maybe we come to think of the fact of how majestic our planet is, one of the great wonders of the creature, and how ungrateful we are to the gift of God. At this very time, this realization is crucial; otherwise, we might lose it in the face of a great calamity due to our careless attitude.
Survival
According to the recent estimation, Earth’s carrying capacity is between 8-16 billion, and there’s already 6.8 billion of us. This overpopulation, other than forest fires and oil spills, is doing significant damage to the planet. Rightfully so, the scientists with a futuristic vision believe that we need to start looking for other habitable regions and start colonizing other planets; our survival might depend on it. For the very reasons, spaceflights are significant for searching for different regions with suitable conditions to move in case of Earth saturation.
Space exploration is not just limited to the human brain, intriguing to know the unknown. Still, it has the potential of discovering a land of unlimited resources, new home, and groundbreaking technological advancements. Moreover, it is the need to ease off our planet; otherwise, we are one major event away from extinction. Hence the journey from sailing the oceans of this planet to sailing the cosmic ocean is inevitable for our survival.
Haven’t you noticed how whenever we talk about space exploration or signs of life on other planets, it is either Mars, Jupiter, or the exoplanets? No one’s ever notified Venus, especially in recent decades, when it has been totally overlooked.
Why has Mars always stolen the spotlight?
Over the last decades, space exploration missions by NASA/ ESA has been focused on this peculiar planet. If we look closely at the night sky, Mars is visible as a tiny red dot. Telescopic analysis and early Viking missions reveal it to have a cold and barren surface pretty much deserted.
What changed this view of ours is when Mars attempted to hit us with meteorites. Scrutinizing the Martian meteorites viewed minuscule structures that resembled bacteria on Earth. Further expeditions revealed further hints and clues about these structures’ chemical compositions and thus the quest to find out more about them made Mars the ultimate mystery in our solar system.
A bit about Venus
Venus is the second planet after Mercury to be closest to the Sun. It has been named after a Roman Goddess who represents love and beauty. Since Venus lies within the Earth’s orbit, it can be seen as a bright reddish dot just after dusk or right before dawn. It takes 243 days to orbit the Sun, and it has got no moons, a similarity shared with Mercury and in contrast with all other planets.
Venus is the second planet after Mercury to be closest to the Sun.
Venus is a terrestrial planet, which means it is composed of silicate rocks and metals. This makes it similar to Earth. It has a very congested atmosphere, with more than 96 percent of it being Carbon dioxide. It also has a very high atmospheric pressure, approximately 92 times more than Earth’s sea level.
Venus is the hottest planet of our Solar system, with a standard temperature of 464 degrees Celsius. Its surface is wrapped in an opaque layer of sulfuric acid clouds, dry and desiccated with slabs of rock. Venus has a similar size to that of Earth. This adds another standard feature with Earth, the first being that both are two of the four terrestrial planets of the solar system. Its diameter is only 640 km less than that of Earth’s, and its mass is 82 percent of the Earth’s. 80 percent of the surface of Venus is covered with volcanoes.
Cloudy with a chance of microbial life
On September 14, a group of scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology announced that they detected the presence of Phosphine gas on the surface. In an interview, they claimed that this did not necessarily prove life, but they got such an idea because this gas is produced by many microorganisms on Earth. More research needs to be done about the geochemistry of Venus before confirming any discovery.
Scientists propose that the clouds may create a humid and habitable land for microbial life since most bacteria prefer humid and warm conditions to thrive. The clouds also have a suitable atm to support life. The microbe floating in the clouds could be coated with cyclo-octa-Sulfur to convert UV light into visible one and use it for photosynthesis.
A brief timeline of missions to Venus
On March 1, 1966, the Soviet space probe Venera 3 crash-landed on the planet Venus, making it the first spacecraft ever to reach another planet’s surface. Following a few failed attempts, Venera 7 became the first successful probe to land on Venus on December 15, 1970, followed by Venera 8 (1972), and Venera 9 and 10 (1975). In 1978, Venera 11 and Venera 12 then dropped descent vehicles with cameras and other equipment on the planet, while in 1981, the Venera 13 and Venera 14 landers carried out further research. In 1983, Venera 15 and Venera 16 subsequently entered orbit around Venus and analyzed the planet’s upper atmosphere and surface geology.
It’s not just the Soviets/Russians that have been studying Venus, however, with the US Mariner 10 probe passing within 5,768 km of the planet Venus during a flyby on its way to Mercury in 1974, and probes that have been placed in orbit around the planet for a while including the American Magellan probe (1990) which collated data in for four years, and the European Space Agency’s Venus Express mission (2006).
What the future holds
Many projects have been planned to be launched by NASA throughout the 2020s to explore the atmospheric conditions and landscape of Venus. An example DAVINCI, all set to be launched in 2021 to probe atmospheric conditions. It stands for Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging.
REFERENCES:
Our long fascination with the journey to Mars, Paulo de Souza.
CSIRO On Venus, Cloudy with a chance of microbial life.
New York Times 10 interesting facts about the missions to Venus,
Pakistan and India, the two advanced countries of south Asia, having got their independence in 1947, always try to be at par with each other on every front, be it political, diplomatic, or military. The one field in which Pakistan has lagged behind India in space technology. Pakistan founded its space agency, the Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) in 1961, almost 8 years earlier than its Indian counterpart, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO, 1969) to promote space research and technology.[1] But 59 years later, it has not achieved the goals that were set by its founder, the Nobel Laureate, Dr. Abdus Salam mainly due to the long list of political and bureaucratic hurdles. ISRO has already launched missions to the moon and mars, while SUPARCO has almost become redundant.
The starting years of the SUPARCO were full of hope and determination. On 7th June 1962, Pakistan launched its first unmanned rocket named ‘REHBAR-1’ from Sonmiani Terminal Launch with the help of NASA and secured its distinction as the third country in Asia and the Tenth in the world who conduct successful spaceflight. [1] According to a report of the Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control, before the June 1962 launch, NASA had started training Pakistani scientists to enhance their skills and capabilities in the field of space.[4] In subsequent years, however, Pakistan’s space program severely lagged due to the political turmoil which enveloped the country, accompanied by some other issues due to which Pakistan’s space agency failed to take off.
ADVANCEMENTS IN SPACE TECHNOLOGY
Despite the first South Asian country to start a space program, it took Pakistan almost 29 years to build its first satellite named Badr-1, which was launched by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) in 1990. Contrary, India’s first satellite, the Aryabhata, was launched by the Soviet Union on 19 April 1975 from Kapustin Yar, just after 6 years of ISRO’s foundation. Such was the unwillingness and non-serious attitude of Pakistan’s government towards space program, that it took another 11 years to launch its second satellite named Badr-2 that took its first successful flight with Meteor-3M, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, with a Ukrainian Zenit-2 rocket as its boost launcher in 2001. Although the satellite was operated successfully, SUPARCO could not sustain the control of the satellite. The satellite was lost within two years, despite its designated life of five years, yet no one knew what exactly happened to the satellite. Pakistan launched its first and only communication satellite named Paksat 1R in 2011, which was actually built and launched by China. [1]
Indian carrier rockets
India’s space program is one of the fastest-growing in the world. With a successful Mars mission and various satellite launches in recent years, India is emerging as a new space power. It has become a go-to option for various countries like Germany, Japan, and France to launch their satellites. Even companies like Google useISROrockets to launch their satellites. On the other hand, Pakistan currently has no launch vehicles and is not capable of launching and placing a satellite in orbit on its own. ISRO is mainly involved in launching commercial satellites, those dealing with the weather, space navigation, and communications apart from various military satellites. It should be alarming for Pakistan as in case of war, these satellites can be easily exploited for tactical and strategic gains.
PAKISTAN LAGS BEHIND INDIA
SUPARCO lagged behind on all the technological advances that have made the Indian program a potent force. Since its inception, SUPARCO has faced the irony of an unstable political situation in the country aided by a lack of resources, bureaucratic hurdles, and mismanagement. Lack of funds has also been an issue from the beginning as it has halted the progress of SUPARCO as a leading space agency in South Asia. Between 1980 and 1990, the then Pakistan’s president Gen Zia-ul-Haq withdrew the funding to the space agency, and also replaced the scientists working in SUPARCO, as the prime focus was on the Nuclear Program, to counter the rising threat of India.[3]
The allocated fund for SUPARCO in Pakistan’s annual budget is only 36 Million USD as compared toIndia’s ISRO which has 1.9 Billion USD in the country’s annual budget.[1] In Pakistan, there are only 3 universities offering BS level programs in space sciences and only one university offering a MS program in the country as compared to India where more than 15 renowned universities offering courses in space sciences and it is one of the reasons behind their overgrown advancement in this field.
To compete with India and other developed countries of the World venturing into space industries, Pakistan needs to pay immediate attention to its space program to achieve significant military and economic gains. Today there is little interest from the government on this issue which is clear from the allocated fund for SUPARCO and the scarce number of educational institutions offering study programs in space sciences. The entire subject of space studies is in neglect; there is no national debate or discussion in public circles about building a potent space program. Pakistan keeps lagging behind India, despite being the first to set up its space agency. The SUPARCO website is evidence of the non-serious nature of Pakistan’s space program. It contains very little information regarding Pakistan’s space policy or vision.
It took Pakistan almost 29 years to build its first satellite, Badr-1
What does Space Technology hold for us?
Space technology has greatly benefitted earth in many ways. From talking on cellular phones to taking action on climate change, it has changed the lifestyle of humans on earth. Historically, we have seen several discoveries in one field or another as fruits of space programs. For example, it was the US space shuttle’s fuel pump design which led to the invention of the artificial heart that has now been transplanted to more than 20 people. Dresses to keep the body temperature controlled for patients in certain diseases were inspired from astronauts’ spacesuits. That is why the US spends billions of dollars on NASA every year; not just for an obsession with space, but for technological prowess overall, which ultimately results in the development of people.[4]
CONCLUSION
SUPARCO has set all its hopes on its Space Program 2040 which includes the development of five GEO satellites and six LEO satellites to replace its existing satellites in orbit. There are no plans for development of a Launch vehicle. It entirely depends upon foreign vendors for launching satellites. The programme is entirely intended to launch more and more communication and remote sensing satellites from other countries.[1]
It is vital for Pakistan to understand and acknowledge the importance of a robust space program. Doing so, will enable Pakistan to achieve a variety of practical applications, from scientific exploration to military gains and can play a crucial role in the outcome of war. It is about time that the government reconsider its priorities. Policies and funding allocations in our federal budgets need a revision. Pakistan has produced renowned scientists over the years and they all have the potential to make a great space program for the country provided they get proper attention from the government.
Astronomers and Stargazers who are fervent about the deep space and the universe have always been haunted and left-curious with this question, that, “Are we alone in the Universe? Can there be ‘Aliens’ living outside within in other worlds just like ours or different?”
But, something changed in this last millennia, and more specifically in the last century, after the advent of “Edwin Hubble”, we have come to an evidentiary conclusion that our universe is nearly infinite as it’s continuously expanding in all directions, with galaxies moving farther all in time. Now, a universe that is continuously expanding, it raises a strong likelihood for the existence of civilizations just like ours.
At first, the astronomers and physicists, are fond to use mathematical or physically theorized tools for developing their hypothesis, before starting to test or give any verifiable proofs, that becomes a law or their corroboration later, supporting their version of the story or simply called a “Theory” in their scientific terms.
Similarly, in the fall of 1961, after three decades of Hubble’s observation of expansion of the universe, an American astronomer “Frank Drake” came forward with an equation, called the “Drake Equation”. Now, it has become one of the most famous equations, found in many astronomy textbooks. Waging numerous ventures of finding extraterrestrial beings, it is aroused as one of the spellbinding, profound, and substantial questions of science. The scientists have been scratching their heads for decades to find signals or pieces of evidence of “Aliens” in outer, deeper, and farther in the space.
The “Drake’s Equation”, consists of an argument enclosing seven different variables, multiplied together and giving a probabilistic or prospective answer for “Estimated Number of Technologically Advanced Civilization in Our Milky Way Galaxy, or giving us “the possibility that humankind might hear from an intelligent civilization in future”.
Seven Known Variables in the Equation
● R* = The rate of star formation that is suiting for the evolution of intelligent life.
● Fp = Fraction of stars having a planetary system (For example; our own “Solar System”)
● Ne = Number of planets per solar system that have an environment habitable for life to evolve.
● Fl = Fraction of suitable to planets on which life actually can be found.
● Fi = Fraction of life-hosting planets on which intelligent civilization appears.
● Fc = Fraction of intelligent life that creates technological probes that can release detectable signals proving their existence into space.
● L = The time duration in which civilizations release detectable signals into space.
Earth’s location in the Milky Way. Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech/R.Hurt (SSC/Caltech)
Although, the Drake’s equation proposed by Frank doesn’t give any specified or accurate number of the intelligent civilizations in our galaxy. But, gradually with time, “it has become a generally accepted scientific apparatus for the astronomers all over the world to examine and contemplate these all factors” says theSearch for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute.
There have been hundreds of attempts by the scientists to calculate solutions the equations all leading toward very different conclusions. However, the highest estimations can be as huge as 100 million intelligent civilizations existing per galaxy, while sceptical and lowest calling for only three civilizations to be found in 10,000 Milky Way-like galaxies. Needless to mention that our milky way is 100,000 light-years across and approximately has 250 billion stars – give or take 100 billion with at least 100 billion planets.
The numbers or answers of the question vastly depend on the level of optimism and pessimism of the scientists, but the fire set-off by Drake’s equation resulted in the formation of numerous projects, institutions and an overall-ambitious race among the astronomers worldworld, which is amplifying and far-reaching for the scientific quest of finding of alien’s civilizations or beings out there in the vastness and deepness of space and time.
With time, being as accurate as we can in determining the variables of the equation, the nearer-we will be to discover the greater truth, if there is another civilization out there, the answer of both probabilities is yes or no? Both are equally terrifying and of gravitating importance.
Astronomy and related fields like Astrophysics and Space Sciences have been at the pole position of science and technology from the beginning of a new era. In today’s world, where hunger and poverty are the immediate problems, Astronomical Sciences are equally important to a civilized society. The pursuit of exploring the universe must be justified by the answers with fundamental research. The research in these sciences is not as easy as it seems in other natural sciences.
Though all these sciences are breaking records with each day passed, from establishing the distances for discovering new planets. It is hard to investigate and analyze the facts about the universe. The use of cutting-edge technology and longer time scale methods through their extensive application have appeared as game-changer in Astronomy. Dave Finley, the public information officer at National Radio Astronomy Observatory Socorro, New Mexico, well summarized the future aspects of astronomical sciences in defense of radio astronomy as:
“Astronomy offers mankind a fundamental sense of earth in an unimaginably vast and exciting universe. Though it has been a foundation stone of technological progress all through history, it has much to contribute in the future”.
Astronomy
Astronomy involves the study of stars and other heavenly bodies. According to NASA, it is the study of planets, stars, and space. It is an umbrella under which many terms are used with little differences such as Astrophysics. Astronomy not only involves the medical and technological applications but also contributes to the discovery of the universe to extend our horizons. From predicting the threats to our planet, and potential space to prolonging the survival of our species, all these discoveries are miracles of astronomy.
Current Scenario and Need for Innovations in Astronomy
Astronomy involves examining the space and celestial objects through powerful telescopes. Through these telescopes, Astronomers observe and reveal the secrets of the Universe. They also capture different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum of the light coming from distant stars and galaxies.
Till now, there has been a substantial technical advancement to capture more light from the skies, and see deeper in the universe through huge and highly advanced telescopes. Still, there is a need for innovations for bigger and better telescopes through collaboration across nations worldwide.
Major Innovations Across the Globe
Land-Based Telescopes
Extremely Large Telescope – the ELT
Currently, this telescope is under construction. By the end of 2020, it will be fully functional. It will be the world’s largest and most powerful visible and infrared light telescope having size twice the length of the cricket pitch. The technicians and engineers all around the world are building it under ESO (European Southern Observatory) in Northern Chile. This teamwork allows ELT to deliver cutting-edge science. Once it is completely designed and constructed, it will be able to observe the formation of distant galaxies and portray the planets around stars very precisely.
This artistic bird’s-eye view shows the dome of the ESO European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) Credit: ESO
The world’s largest radio telescopes will be operated at the end of 2020. It consists of hundreds of radio telescopes, dishes, and thousands of antennas across two continents of South Africa and Western Australia. It is constructed in phases with phase 1 completed providing 200 dishes in South Africa and 130,000 Antennas in Australia.
This largest Radio telescope will allow us to study invisible celestial objects in space that emit radio waves, which would otherwise be not possible. The astronomers will be able to study the cold universe at its earliest stages through this largest telescope. This telescope is an international effort comprising 1000 scientists and engineers from 20 countries under IGA (Intergovernmental organization).
SKA dishes on the South African SKA site.
Square Kilometre Array at night. SKA Organization
Space-Based Telescope
JWST – the James Webb Space Telescope
The “James Webb Space Telescope” will be the first world largest space telescope ever built. It will be able to get a clearer view of distant galaxies, stars, and the planet as its light will not be distorted by the earth’s atmosphere. Its main sun shield is about twice the size of a tennis court. It is an infrared specialist that allows astronomers to explore the universe and see the evolution of planets, stars, and galaxies. It is because infrared is invisible to our eyes but this space telescope help astronomers to look closely at the distant stars and galaxies through murky clouds.
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. In future, it will investigate our solar system. Credits: Northrup Grumman
NASA engineers and technicians inspect one of the James Webb Space Telescope’s mirror segments. Credit: Chris Gunn / NASA GSFC
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center has played a pivotal role in developing the James Webb Space Telescope. Photo Credit: NASA
The James Webb telescope is constructed by scientists, technicians, and engineers from 14 different countries in partnership with NASA. It is supposed to be operational in early 2020 but NASA has delayed its launch date till 31st October 2021. It will orbit in deep space 1.5 km away from earth, for at least a five-year mission. The main mirror of the JWST sunshield is coated with gold to reflect the infrared light efficiently.
These are just the three examples in which scientists and engineers from all over the world work in collaboration to truly push the frontiers of astronomy and space sciences. These innovations will provide a breakthrough in the future and no doubt it will indirectly increase the sustainability of the earth.
Astrophysics
Astrophysics is the branch of space science that involves the study of physical laws that explain the origin of stars, planets, and other objects in the universe. NASA describes astrophysics as a goal to observe and explore the universe and its evolution for the search of the existence of life on other planets. Astrophysics allows scientists to deduce theories for explaining the mechanism of radiation emitted by universe objects and extract important information in it. NASA focuses on the Physics of the cosmos, cosmic origins, exoplanet exploration, astrophysics explorer programs, and research in the field of astrophysics.
Current Scenario and Need for Innovations in Astrophysics
For Astrophysical research, NASA focuses on operational great observational tools that comprise Hubble Space Telescope, the Chandra X-ray Observatory, and the Spitzer Space Telescope. Other observational missions are Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, NuSTAR, and TESS missions. Some complementary missions are in the process such as NICER and SOFIA. NASA also funded the development of astrophysics instruments for the observations and data analysis for their missions.
Most of the mission mentioned have achieved their initial goals, but they are prolonged to produce breathtaking results. All of these missions will work together for much of the human piled knowledge of the universe, and use this knowledge for humanity to touch new horizons. NASA also collaborates with international space platforms across the globe for astrophysics instrumentation development such as ESA’s XMM-Newton.
Despite the above currently operated missions, there is still a need for innovations in the field of Astrophysics. For example, the nature of dark matter can only be understood by a model of the microstructure of space. Astrophysicists assume that it involves a great phenomenon of physics called “Planck Length”. It is the greatest challenge to the present universe.
Future of Astrophysics
NASA proposed four future missions under Astrophysics space divisions to the American Astronomical Society (AAS). Once they get approved, NASA will start working on it. Each of these missions comprises
a space telescope primarily designed to study stars, galaxies, black holes, alien planets, and objects within Earth’s solar system. Only one of these four missions will be selected till mid-2030. Once the mission gets selected, the cost can rise above 1 billion dollars.
Large UV Optical Infrared Surveyor – LUVOIR
This candidate mission will be the larger and more sophisticated version of the Hubble Space Telescope to observe the universe in ultraviolet, infrared, and visible wavelengths of light. The space telescope will be designed in two different sizes such as larger and smaller depending on budget.
LUVOIR- observatory concept
LUVOIR 16-meter size telescope Credit NASA.
It will help astrophysicists to deal with various future astronomical research projects like the study of habitable exoplanets; study of formation and evolution of stars and galaxies; mapping of dark matter all around the universe; and imaging objects in the solar system, like planets, comets, and asteroids.
Habitable Exoplanet Observatory – HabEx
As the name indicates, this space telescope will observe the potentially habitable exoplanets around sun-like stars.
Representation of the Telescope Concept
If it is approved, it will become the first telescope to trace biosignatures like water and methane and image the Earth-like exoplanets where life will be possible. Habex would also be able to observe and map stars and galaxies, study the expansion of the universe, and investigate the dark matter by conducting ultraviolet and infrared observations.
Lynx X-Ray Observatory
The space telescope would be the upgraded form of Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Lynx would be powerful enough to reveal the invisible universe through very high energy X-ray radiations. The birth and death of stars, the perfect maps of exploding stars, the invisible supernovas, and black holes would only be seen because of Lynx.
Space telescope would be the upgraded form of Chandra X-Ray Observatory
A closer look of Lynx X-Ray Observatory concept
Origins Space Telescope
The next-generation version of the Herschel Space Observatory, the Origins Space Telescope would solve the mysteries of life in-universe. The questions like how habitable planets are formed will be easily get answered by this infrared surveyor telescope. It will be consisting of a cryocooler cooling system that would increase its sensitivity to about 1000 times. It will involve in keeping the track of the earliest stages of stars and other planets to check the ingredients of life.
Concept of Origin space Telescope
Model of Origin Space Telescope
All of these future astrophysics’ missions have their importance. They will readily revolutionize the concept of life in the universe.
The world’s largest gravitational wave observatory is not like a traditional telescope. It does not work by using light. Instead of light, it uses the ripples in space-time called gravitational waves. These waves are produced by big events that affect space-time such as mergers of pairs of neutron stars, black holes, and supernovae.
An aerial view of the Virgo interferometer near Pisa, Italy. Credit: The Virgo collaboration/CCO 1.0
An upgrade to the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory
It is an outstanding physics experiment on the scale and complexity of some of the world’s giant particle accelerators and nuclear physics laboratories. It consists of two enormous laser interferometers located 3000 kilometers apart, and two widely separated detectors in Washington State and Louisiana, USA.
It is aided by the Virgo detector in Italy and the GEO 600 instrument in Germany. Since LIGO is upgrading in series form, which is supported by 92 collaborating institutions, it is still expanding with a third detector site being established in India.
LIGO and Virgo operate together as a collaboration and will soon be joined by the KAGRA detector in Japan. The Collaborative operation allows examination of gravitational waves simultaneously produced by the same event to determine what is the origin and nature of signals. This collaboration addition of telescopes is introducing a whole new exciting field within multi-messenger astronomy.
By working in collaboration, these telescopes not only drive ahead in astronomical exploration but also the data obtained from the experiment will be used to improve our lives on earth in the future.
Gaia
Gaia is a telescope designed to make the largest 3D map of our galaxy, the Milky Way. Its mission is to provide unprecedented positional and radial velocity measurements with the accuracies needed to produce a stereoscopic and kinematic census of about one billion stars in our Galaxy.
It will observe each star 70 times in planned 5 years. It is not only able to observe stars, but it is also able to detect a large no. of asteroids and comets, along with potential exoplanets and supernova explosions.
The Gaia Telescope. Credit: ESA/ATG medialab
Space Science
Space Science is the study of space exploration. Many interdisciplinary fields come under this term, for example, Stellar, Solar, Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy, Planetary Science and Physical Cosmology, Astrobiology, Astrochemistry, Astrophysics, Space Plasma Physics, Orbital Mechanics/ Astrodynamics, Atmospheric/ Environmental Science, Satellite and Space Communications, Space Systems, Space Environment, and Space Medicine. Space science subjects are rapidly growing at present. But the main subjects which come significantly under space sciences are Remote Sensing, Satellite Applications, Astrophysics, Astrodynamics, Atmospheric Science. It involves the usage of highly advanced space technology to analyze and interpret space information for a better understanding of Earth and its systems in the cosmos.
Space science has emphasized the improvement of life quality on earth by designing space satellites to study the space environment and test satellites their capabilities. This leads to the development of telecommunication satellites, global positioning, and advancement in weather forecasting.
Current Scenario and Need for Innovations in Space Science
Space exploration has delivered a lot of innovations in technology in diverse aspects of everyday life; starting from solar panels to implantable heart monitors, from cancer therapy to light‐weight materials, and from water‐purification systems to improved computing systems and a global search‐and‐rescue system. It has proposed new perspectives for every individual on earth. It has sparked new scientific and technological knowledge to mankind. Ultimately, it has initiated the development of the space economy.
Future of Space Science
The future space exploration goals involve sending humans and robots beyond Earth orbit and establish sustained access to places like Moon, Mars, and asteroids in the universe. The complementary capabilities of humans and robots will immediately benefit back to earth in areas of materials, power generation and energy, storage, recycling and waste management, advanced robotics, health and medicine, transportation, engineering, computing, and software.
Space science proposes a unique and evolving perspective to fulfill people’s curiosity by providing fresh data about the solar system. Therefore, international collaborations and partnerships are required not only to prevent Earth from catastrophic events but also to address global challenges.
The precise nature of future benefits from space science and its exploration is unpredictable. But the latest trends suggest that considerable benefits would be generated in significant areas of life.
Conclusion
The developed nations have a quite stronghold on astronomy and space science projects in the present and future. These countries have been collaborating with international space platforms like NASA for many years. It is saddening that most of the developing countries could not focus on astronomy and other projects because they are struggling with their basic issues. Now countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Taiwan, where basic technological and industrial basis exists, have started taking an active part to build space crafts and satellites. These nations have also collaborated with the UN and NASA and other countries like Denmark, France, Italy, and China for various future projects. Arab and other Muslim countries like Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Libya, and UAE have also taken initiative to build Gulf observatory, joint observatory, and UAE center for Astronomy and Space Sciences. India is also going ahead in Astronomy research with the help of ground-based, balloon-borne, and satellite facilities.
The last decade is considered the “Golden Age” for Astronomy and Science with unique and great opportunities for earth people. The availability of existing and future datasets from space by ground-based or space-based observatories has given a global opportunity to make mind-blowing advancements in astronomy, astrophysics, and space science. Only a few space projects can be planned in astronomical sciences near future due to the size, complexity, and budget issues. These surmountable challenges can be tackled by multi-lateral cooperation and international collaboration.
The cooperative global action is the only solution to ensure a positive perspective in future space research. So, the negative trend can be corrected, and the “Dark Age” of Astronomy can be avoided.
Over the years, many sci-fi thrillers have tried to add human elements in generic stories, but they usually end up provoking emptiness and are devoid of any real emotions. But James Gray’s Ad Astra is different; it centers around the intimate human experiences and feelings.
The story is set near future and revolves around Roy McBride (played by Brad Pitt), an emotionally unavailable astronaut. He receives a mission to Mars and tries to communicate with his famous father, who Roy initially thought was dead. But there is more to the premise. The actual problem is that his father is thought to be responsible for the power surges that are threatening human existence. This is the reason why Roy is selected for the top-secret mission. So, it is not just because of his poised personality but because of his dad, Clifford McBride, who started a mission three decades ago.
To get specific about this movie’s genre, it may be described as a ruminating sci-fi thriller. Although this movie has some very intense scenes that will have your heart racing, it also tends to carry the heavy theme of the lead character’s emotional journey. Ad Astra cannot be considered as a fun sci-fi adventure movie; rather, its action sequences depict the chaos that we as humans are responsible for.
Brad Pitt portrays an emotionally unavailable astronaut in Ad Astra. Picture Credits: 20th Century Fox/YouTube
One can also consider Ad Astra as a meditating piece. It is an exploration of the eternal search for meaning, capturing, and illustrating the human experience of loneliness and escapism. It is about building walls within ourselves, an emotional feature that we all are capable of having. It tells the story about our nature, who we are as beings, and what we feel at the moments when we are most vulnerable and still carry on with all that weight. This movie is about us as individuals instilling meaning in other things or other people or in the search itself. And it is also about our transformation to the nature that our parents had, as we grow older.
Speaking about the lead character, Brad Pitt’s performance as Roy is easily one of his career’s best performances. One can easily tell there is so much going on under the surface, and when he does hit those emotional moments, they definitely yield energy and are incredibly powerful. It seems as if you are experiencing the moment with the character. But there is also not much exploration of other characters, and they are not highlighted much. So, it is basically Brad Pitt all over, and we tag along with him on the emotional journey. Supporting characters included the brilliant veteran actor Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland, Ruth Negga, and Liv Tyler.
It would also be fair to mention that Ad Astra is not for everyone. It is the kind of film that if you are on the same wavelength or the themes strike a chord with you; then you will most likely enjoy and love it. However, if the things this film contemplates are not the things that you are into contemplating, then most likely will not like or enjoy it.
Overall, the movie was a spellbinding piece. It has a bit of that cold classic sci-fi quality to it, which is really lovely and sticks out to those who are avid film enthusiasts. It also goes along with gorgeous cinematography by Hoyte van Hoytema, who also did masterpieces like Nolan’s Interstellar, Dunkirk, and many other famous projects. The shots are very realistic and show the less amount of CGI used, a rarity these days. They also did a great job of showing the future technology, which almost looked realistic.
All in all, it is a beautiful film that stays with you for a while after you are done watching it. If you are into space and sci-fi movies, it connects you at a personal level and is introspective. A must-watch!
Globally, water resources face threats to the growing population, increase in urbanization, rapid industrialization, and an increase in food production. As a result, this whole scenario displaying a global threat to human health and the ecosystem.
In Pakistan, especially Balochistan’s vulnerability to natural disasters, climate changes, and external and internal migration due to human-made conflicts often affect thousands of people who need emergency water and sanitation support. This situation imposes sustainable access to water, sanitation, and hygiene issues in the primary health units.
The UNICEF section on WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) explained the current status that although Pakistan has achieved significant progress in improving sanitation access, 25 million people still practice open defecation, resulting in adverse health children. In Pakistan, approx 53,000 children under age five die annually from diarrhea due to insufficient water and sanitation. Similarly, about 70 % of peoples are forced to drink bacterial water.
Contrary, the dawn report 2019, investigated that about 9,247 government-run schools in Balochistan don’t have drinking water; 9,838 schools have no toilets, which sows a bleak picture of WASH facilities at the provincial level.
Although a global issue these days, Balochistan is facing a scarcity of water for a long time. The majority of people don’t have access to safe drinking & water for domestic use.
The provincial government has declared a water emergency in most districts. But they are reluctant to admit it that they don’t have a future roadmap for water scarcity. Most of the local tube wells are dysfunctional due to the unavailability of water and funds. More than 2500 government & private tube wells are functional in the city, and similarly, the daily water consumption is 94%. Contrary, the underground water level is going down, an alarming situation for the provincial govt.
There is a dire need for sustainable improvement in the natural resource management (NRM) and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) sectors of Balochistan.
Natural Resource Management (NRM) Sector
To protect natural resources (ecosystem, water, land, forest wildlife, etc.) and promote sustainable utilization, specifically water management and conservation for the community needs in the local context.
To support and educate communities for knowledge and behavior change about better water consumption and generating economic benefits from natural resources.
Providing access to safe drinking water & Irrigation facilitates
BRSP, under its “Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM)” project, has been working on water conservation & management since 2016 via harnessing people’s potential for uplifting their economic and social services in the local context.
BRSP, under its IWRM project, has reached a total of 39,919 householdsand constructed 732 Irrigation Schemes including (Spate irrigation, Solar pump, storage pond, irrigational channel, and pipeline) which benefited 34,461 householdsat targeted districts (Qilli Abdullah & Pishin) of the province. Similarly, 141 Karezes improved for drinking and irrigation purposes, which helped 3500 houses. Moreover, 57 Check Dams constructed in rural districts, benefited 1300 households. Besides, 1,058 homes got Solar Electrification facilities at their localities. On the other hand, around 50,000 plants were planted in different rural areas.
Educating Communities for Behavior Change & Economic Opportunities
For behavior change and generating economic opportunities, manager NRM & WASH section added that BRSP introduced 6 High Irrigation systems with low delta plants and installed 65 Poly Tunnels to generate economic earrings. In general, 94,165 households benefited via different CPIs interventions and awareness sessions delivered in the province’s rural districts. Overall, 94,900 trained on NRM (including IWRM and Water management)including (70 individuals trained on O&Mof Solar lightening; 1,000 community memberstrained on IWRM (Integrated Water Resource Management), and 150 government officialstrained on service delivery.
BRSP’s WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) Sector
BRSP’s aim in the WASH sector is; to reduce poverty & vulnerability by improving the population’s health facilities by ensuring better access to clean drinking water facilities, improved sanitation systems, and hygiene practices.
Providing Access to Clean Drinking Water Facility
BRSP has been working in the WASH sector for the last two decades and completed various projects during this period. From 2009 to 2014, BRSP implemented a project titled, “Improved access to and demand for quality water, sanitation & hygiene services in Quetta, Pishin and Qilla Saifullah, Balochistan” the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany through KFW Development Bank. This project was completed in three phases. BRSP, under this project, came into partnership with the government of Balochistan titled “government –civil society-community.” In which,government department called PHED (Public Health Engineering Department) and BRSP implemented a community sustainable ownership project by strengthening the allocation of land for source development under different water systems. It constructed 1,240 Small and Large Scale Drinking Water Schemes under various projects, which benefited more than 1 million people(male and female) across Balochistan.
Provision of Safe Sanitation facilities
For Safe Sanitation facilities, BRSP constructed 22,749 toilets, which benefited 138,159 people (including emergency shelters toilets and PWDs toilets). Under community development schemes, the organization provided sewerage and street pavement to 48 villages of Nohisar at district Quetta. Moreover, BRSP rehabilitated/installed WASH facilities in 561 Schools, which benefited 171,605 students and teachers. Similarly, 5 Menstruation Hygiene Management (MHM) washrooms were constructed in Girls Schools. Contrary, the organization repaired & provided necessary WASH facilities to 464 (16) Basic Health Centers.
Educating Communities on WASH Facilities
For Behavior Communication Change (BCC), a total of 34167 students & teachers received School Sanitation and Health Education (SSHE) knowledge on healthy and hygienic behaviors and ended open defecation. Similarly, 444 Wash committees and 257 WASH Clubs formed in government schools. On the other hand, 5000 girlsschool students sensitized Menstruation Hygiene Management (MHM) and provided 60 MHM Kits. Moreover, 24,500 hygiene kits were distributed to government schools of district Quetta. Besides, about 318,512 community members were sensitized on health and hygiene. In general, a total of 321 villages was certified as ODF.
Contributing to the Government’s Sanitation Policy
BRSP is also contributing to the government of Balochistan Sanitation Policy via striving & supporting an environmentally friendly open defecation free toilet, solid & liquid waste management, and sustainable sanitation systems that promote healthy and hygienic practices of WASH in the province. Under its GIZ S4M (Sanitation for Million) project, the organization provides access to essential sanitation services, including the promotion & construction of latrine in (household & schools) at the province’s rural and urban communities.
BRSP is also promoting an integrated and total sanitation approach called Pakistan Approach to Total Sanitation (PATS) in communities and schools. Moreover, the organization is also educating communities & stakeholders on sanitation (WASH) to bring behavior change among them.
Currently, BRSP implements the S4M (Sanitation for Millions) project in the province’s targeted government schools. The project aims to improve sanitation & health facilities, including menstrual hygiene management and friendly toilet facilities in government girls.
This includes the construction of decentralizing wastewater treatment & irrigation systems in the province. And overall rehabilitation and improvement of sanitary and hygiene facilities.
The organization recently inaugurated DEWATS (decentralized wastewater treatment system) at BUITMS, Quetta. The project was designed explicitly for wastewater management to reuse it for irrigation & plantation purposes. This is a process of reusing wastewater for irrigation or other drives in Baluchistan.
Though BRSP’s contributions & interventions contribute to the NRM & WASH sectors of the province, the hour’s need is to bring sustainable improvement. Balochistan is going the worst water crisis ever, and the natural resources are also depleting due to overpopulation and climate change. This is the right time that the government takes strenuous efforts with the NGO partnership because if we didn’t implement it today, our province would face severe consequences of climate change shortly.
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