To:

DD(Space Program), SC4I2SR Branch

SPD Chaklala Cantt

Sub: History and Justification Of Proposed Visit To South Africa In

Connection With Paktes-1A Payload

1. In the pursuit of developing an indigenous 300 kg class LEO RS Satellite bus/

platforms, SUPARCO has been working on the design, development and AIT
(Assembly, Integration and Testing) of PAKTES-1A satellite system, carrying a lowto-medium resolution EO payload, using low cost/ COTS components/ parts,
materials and technologies. To save cost, the satellite is planned to be launched
along with PRSS-1 RS satellite as a co-passenger.
2. To develop the required telescope for PakTES-1A in-country, optics manufacturing
facilities including PEC, NILOP, ATCOP and DEMD were evaluated. However, none of
these facilities were found capable to meet the stringent requirements in terms of
sizes of the mirrors /lenses, surface finish, alignment and accuracy for developing
the required telescope.
3. Consequently, all possible Chinese options including WaveLabs, BIT (Beijing Institute
of Technology), NIAOT (Nanjing Institute of Astronomical Optics and Technology)
and BISME (Beijing Institute of Space Mechanics and Electricity) were explored for
Payload of PakTES-1A.
4. Extensive deliberations were made for development of Payload with BISME/CGWIC
during last 2 years. The payload offered by BISME was technically suitable for
previous configuration of PakTES-1A. As the satellite is planned to be dual-launched
with PRSS-1, BISMEs payload now seems inappropriate for current configuration of
PakTES-1A due to its high mass and power requirement. As PakTES-1A is a
technology evaluation satellite, KHTT on payload is one of prime objectives of this
project but BISME is highly reluctant in offering KHTT on payload. Further the final
financial proposal submitted by BISME was very high (29 M US $) and found
unaffordable / infeasible for the very limited budget (9.5 M US $) of PakTES-1 A
project. Therefore option of developing Payload from BISME was dropped.
5. During PakTES-1A consultancy review process and final review meetings with Space
Advisory Company (SAC), it also offered an electro-optical payload for PakTES-1A.
SACs proposed payload has been found suitable in terms of Cost, mass, dimensions
and power, one of the most critical requirements. Considering the experience with
SAC (during consultancy for PakTES-1A), technical suitability of their offered payload
and time constraints of dual-launch, SUPARCO planned to develop PakTES-1As
electro-optical payload from SAC.

6. In May, 2015, after approval from relevant quarters, SUPARCO prepared and
launched its RFP for procurement of payload for PakTES-1A. SAC in response to the
RFP, has submitted its formal proposal. SUPARCOs Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC)
has evaluated SACs proposal and has recommended a team to visit SAC and discuss
all outstanding issues.
7. Keeping in view the strictly limited time left for the launch of satellite (launch of
PRSS-1 is expected to be June, 2018), it is imperative to enter into contract
negotiations process without further delay for the delivery of payload. Following will
be the outcome of the proposed visit:
a. Ascertain the capabilities of SACs subcontractors and readiness of AIT
facilities to meet the strict timelines of Payload development.
b. Safety and security of SUPARCO engineers (to be stationed) at SAC and its
subcontractors during the execution of the project.
c. Ready-to-sign finalized Contract for the development of Electro-Optical
Payload including KHTT scope and execution methodology.
d. Price reduced to, the maximum possible/feasible level with suitable
allocation in payment milestones.
8. This contract would be a joint design and development of an electro-optical payload
for PakTES-1A. Around 10 SUPARCO engineers belonging to various disciplines would
be actively participating in the execution of this project. Successful completion of
this project will boost confidence of SUPARCO team and will serve as a stepping
stone for the indigenization of (in-house) payload development.