ICAST-2025 opens in Islamabad, showcasing Pakistan’s growing space role
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The ICAST logo can be seen in this image. — icast.pk
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan took a major step forward in its space program on Tuesday with the launch of the International Conference on Applications of Space Science and Technology (ICAST-2025), billed as the region’s largest space science and technology forum.
The conference opened at the Institute of Space Technology (IST), and is jointly organized by Pakistan Space and Upper Atmospheric Research Commission (SUPARCO) and IST.
The conference is being organized in collaboration with Inter-Islamic Network for Space Sciences and Technology (ISNET), Asia Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO), Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and National Center for GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA).
The conference brings together astronauts, scientists, policymakers, academic leaders, industry experts, and representatives of major international organizations, highlighting Pakistan’s growing leadership in the promotion of space science, technology, and innovation at both the regional and global levels.
Superco Chairman Muhammad Yusuf Khan formally inaugurated the conference.
Expressing pride in hosting the region’s flagship space event, he highlighted Superco’s efforts to strengthen international cooperation and advance space technologies for sustainable development.
IST Vice-Chancellor Dr. Syed Najeeb Ahmed affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promote space education, research and capacity building, describing ICAST-2025 as an important link between global expertise and scientific development.
Acting Chairperson of Higher Education Commission (HEC), Secretary General of APSCO, and Director of United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOASA) also addressed the gathering.
He appreciated Pakistan’s contribution in promoting equal access to space science and supporting emerging space nations.
The Chief Guest, Mongolian Astronaut Grogcha Jogder Dimed, officially opened the conference with a powerful keynote address.
Recalling the experience of seeing Earth from space, he said that science transcends borders and international cooperation is essential for human development.
He emphasized the important role of space technologies in sustainable development, climate monitoring, disaster preparedness, agriculture, resource management, and communication.
He said that platforms like ICAST-2025 ensure that the benefits of space development reach all countries equally. Appreciating Pakistan’s vision, he lauded the efforts of Suparco and IST and expressed confidence that the dialogue at ICAST-2025 would lead to new partnerships and innovative solutions.
The first day began with the ISNET Strategic Leadership Summit (SLS), which linked the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs’ Access to Space for All initiative. Leaders from OIC-COMSTEC, APSCO, ICESCO, and the Turkish Space Agency delivered keynote speeches, followed by high-level discussions featuring representatives from China, Tunisia, Iran, Bangladesh, and Senegal.
The summit concluded with the adoption of joint communications, reiterating commitments to equal access to space, open data sharing, capacity building, and improving cooperation among emerging space nations.
The technical program of the conference opened with several seminars, master classes, panel discussions, and workshops.
It began with a seminar on space technologies for national security and strategic applications, followed by technical sessions on astronomy and astrophysics, positioning, navigation and timing, remote sensing and geographic information science, and information and communication technologies.
These sessions included discussions on advances in satellite systems, geospatial analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and next-generation communication technologies.
The technical program also features a technology exhibition forum on “Precision, Positioning, and Beyond: Emerging Trends in GNSS Technology,” and panel discussions on Physiology in Orbit, Space Law in Action in Space, and special master classes on designing complex space missions.
Additional sessions on aeronautics, satellite technology, and environmental science expanded the scope of the technical dialogue.
With participation from more than 25 countries and over 70 international delegates, ICAST-2025 is hosting a major global assembly of expertise across eight distinct tracks, including plenary sessions, master classes, special seminars, technical presentations, poster exhibitions, and technology shows.
The conference reflects Pakistan’s commitment to use space technologies for social development, economic stability, climate resilience, disaster preparedness, scientific advancement, and international cooperation.
The conference, which will continue for the next two days, aims to foster stronger partnerships, broaden global dialogue, and advance the peaceful use of outer space for the benefit of humanity.
