The Flight Test Range (FTR) at Sonmiani Beach is a rocket launch site in Balochistan, approximately west of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
The facility is operated by the Space Research Commission since 1961, initially focusing on supporting civilian space program involving the launch of sounding rockets but its present mission has now been moved towards military programs.
History
Initially established at Sonmiani Rocket Range in 1961, the Sonmiani Flight Test Range is the only rocket launch facility operated by the Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission. It was the crucial contribution from the American National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) that established the facility in 1961 with Suparco launching the Rehbar-I program that consisted of a Nike-Cajun combination on 7 June 1962. It is currently spread across .
See also
- Mashhood Test Firing Range
References
External links
- Astronautix.com page on Sonmiani