from other countries. On 11 August, the Suparco launched the Paksat-IR, as first satellite as part of this programme. Geo-satellites According to Suparco, the Space Programme intends to launch five GEO satellites from 2011 till 2040. Here the details are given: Paksat-IE The Paksat-IE was country's first GEO satellite that was operated by the Suparco. Previously owned by Boeing and operated under lease by Paksat. It was launched on 31 January 1996 and leased to Suparco in 2003. Since then, Suparco initiated to develop its own GEO satellite programme, financed by People's Republic of China. The satellite will be replaced by its advanced and upgrade satellite, the Paksat-IR. Paksat-IR The Paksat-IR is a first GEO satellite that was launched at 21:17hrs 11 August as part of this programme from People's Republic of China. Its satellite vehicle was the Long March 3E carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in China's Sichuan province. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and the Suparco was the main contractor to build Paksat-IR, and DESTO was selected to build the primary heat shield and electronic materials for the spacecraft. The Paksat-IR objectives are to support all conventional and modern Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) applications, with a total of 30 Communication Transponders (12 in C band and 18 in Ku band). The GEO satellites that are under development or proposed are listed below: Paksat-MM1 Paksat-MM2 Paksat-II References Space programme of Pakistan Science and technology in Pakistan 2040 in science Government of Yousaf Raza Gillani Policies of Pakistan