The upcoming federal budget includes a proposal to increase the development budget of the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) by more than 850%, sources revealed.

According to 24NewsHD TV channel, the proposed allocation for SUPARCO in the next financial year is Rs65.61 billion, a significant rise from the Rs6.9 billion allocated in the current financial year.

Key allocations in the proposed budget include:

Rs59.18 billion for the Pakistan multi-mission communication satellite system, PakSat One.

Rs4.18 billion for the establishment of the Pakistan Space Center.

Rs1.35 billion for the Pakistan Optical Remote Sensing Satellite.

Rs248 million for the Feasibility and System Definition Study of PakSat 2.

Rs650 million for deep space astronomical observatories.

The substantial increase reflects a new plan for SUPARCO, aimed at enhancing the country's space research and development capabilities.