The Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) is a regulatory authority established under the National Command Authority (NCA) to regulate, authorize, supervise and monitor all space-related activities within the jurisdiction of Pakistan. It was formally constituted through the Pakistan Space Activities Rules, 2024, on February 1, 2024.[2][3]
PSARB functions as the principal regulatory body overseeing outer space and upper atmosphere activities in Pakistan. It plays a central role in ensuring national security, technological advancement, and commercial space governance, and coordinates closely with the Pakistan's national space agency, SUPARCO.[4]
Legal Foundation
The regulatory authority and powers of PSARB derive from:
The National Command Authority Act, 2010 (Act V of 2010)
PSARB operates under the administrative framework of the National Command Authority. The secretariat of PSARB is located in SUPARCO, Pakistan's national space agency.[5]
Composition
The board consists of a Chairman nominated by the National Command Authority and several ex-officio members including:
Secretaries of key ministries (IT & Telecom, Information & Broadcasting)
Intelligence representatives
Co-opted technical experts as needed
Functions and Responsibilities
PSARB is tasked with:
Regulating all space and upper atmosphere activities
Authorizing satellite operations and services
Issuing licenses and No Objection Certificates (NOCs)
Facilitating public-private partnerships in space technology
Ensuring use of National Satellites or Registered Satellites
Publishing a registry of authorized space operators and satellites
National Space Policy Enforcement
Key aspects enforced by PSARB include:
First Right of Refusal (FROR): Mandating government entities to prioritize use of national satellites.
Remote Sensing Regulation: Controlling the acquisition, sale, and dissemination of satellite imagery.
Satellite Communication Oversight: Coordinating with PEMRA and PTA for broadcast and telecom satellite services.
Foreign Satellite Regulation: Enforcing registration, market reciprocity, and presence requirements.
Licensing and Regulatory Developments
Starlink
On January 6, 2025: Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk, is officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under the name "Starlink Internet Services Pakistan (Private) Limited."[6]
On March 21, 2025, the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) granted provisional registration to Starlink Internet Services Pakistan (Private) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of SpaceX.[7][8]
On April 29, 2025: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) decides not to issue a full operating license to Starlink based solely on its temporary registration. The PTA emphasizes that a full license will only be granted once Starlink completes the permanent registration process with PSARB and fulfills all necessary regulatory and technical requirements.[9][10]
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Pakistani Space Program