Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | SPARRSO |
| Formed | 1968 |
| Type | Space agency |
| Jurisdiction | Ministry of Defence |
| Headquarters | Agargaon, Sher-e-Bangla Nogor, Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Owner | Government of Bangladesh |
| Website | www |
The Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (Bengali: বাংলাদেশ মহাকাশ গবেষণা ও দূর অনুধাবন প্রতিষ্ঠান, romanized: Bangladesh mohakash gobeshona o door onudhabon protishthan), or SPARRSO (Bengali: স্পারসো), is a state agency concerned with astronomical research and the application of space technology in Bangladesh.
History
SPARRSO was founded in 1968 as the American space program's Automatic Picture Transmission ground station. The organization aims to contribute to national development by promoting the peaceful application of space science and technology. In 1972, when NASA launched its Earth Resources Technology Satellite, SPARRSO actively collaborated with NASA and subsequently joined efforts with Japanese and European space programs.[1]
After gaining independence, the government initiated the Bangladesh ERTS Programme to survey natural resources and monitor and manage the environment and disasters.[2] Due to the success of this initiative, the Bangladesh Landsat Programme was incorporated into the five-year plan in 1975. Subsequently, in 1980, the Space and Atmospheric Research Centre of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission merged with the Bangladesh Landsat Programme to form the Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization.[3] The Parliament restructured SPARRSO through the enactment of Act 29 in 1991.[4]
Research
SPARRSO works closely with JAXA, NASA and the ESA in environmental and meteorological research. Using Japanese and American satellites, SPARRSO monitors agro-climatic conditions and water resources in Bangladesh.[5]
It has two satellite ground stations at Gazipur and Rangamati. These ground facilities include a Satellite Control and Network Operations Center, utilizing the SpaceGate global solution from Thales Alenia Space.[6]
In 2018, their first satellite Bangladesh Satellite-1 was released.[7]
Activities and program
SPARRSO's activities include operational efforts for national interest, research and technological development, support for national development, milestones in nation-building, and human resource development in Remote sensing and Geographic information system technology.[8]
SPARRSO utilizes space and remote sensing technology across various fields such as Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Geology, and Water Resources. It conducts research to advance these technologies, providing essential information and research results to the government and relevant agencies. SPARRSO also informs the government about international advancements in space technology and advises on national policy formulation. Additionally, it conducts training, technical research, and collaborates with national and international organizations while implementing development projects with governmental approval.[8]
Divisions
Currently, SPARRSO has a total of 17 working divisions. These include the Atmospheric Division, Agriculture Division, Agro-hydrometeorology Division, Forestry Division, Water Resources Division, Oceanography Division, Fisheries Division, Cartography Division, Ground Station Division, Photographic Division, Ocean Physics Division, Instrumentation and Data Processing Division, Ground Truth Division, Geology Division, Rocket Technology Development Division, Space Physics and Rocket Dynamics Division, and the Regional Remote Sensing Center.[8]
Criticism
The Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO) faces criticism regarding its leadership, with non-expert bureaucrats often appointed over scientists. Critics cite a lack of significant, modern achievements over 50 years, outdated data, and minimal research output, leading to questions about its effectiveness and relevance compared to neighboring space agencies. Key criticisms of SPARRSO include: Non-Expert Leadership: The organization has faced intense scrutiny for appointing officials from the administrative cadre (such as agriculturists or general secretaries) to head a specialized technical and scientific organization. Lack of Tangible Output: Critics point to a dearth of major, recent achievements. Reports indicate that for many years, the organization's publically cited successes were limited to awards from the 1980s and 1990s, with only a few ongoing research programs. Outdated Data & Technology: Concerns exist that SPARRSO provides very limited and outdated datasets to citizens, failing to leverage modern, real-time technology for national development. Structural Issues: Critics from civil society suggest that the reliance on bureaucratic, rather than scientific, leadership prevents the institution from functioning properly, making it serve administrative rather than research-driven goals. Underperformance Concerns: Amidst advancements in regional space technology (such as India's ISRO), SPARRSO has faced backlash for not meeting public expectations. These criticisms were amplified in late 2023, leading to the transfer of the then-chairman and renewed calls for appointing qualified, specialized professionals to lead the agency.
See also
References
- ^ Ahmed, Sayeed (20 September 2023). "What does Bangladesh's space research organisation really do?". The Daily Star (Bangladesh). Retrieved 7 March 2026.
- ^ Hossain, A. (1 November 1977). "Bangladesh ERTS (LANDSAT) programme: A review of the programme and a report on the activities".
- ^ Ritchie, G. (4 June 1980). "Bangladesh Landsat Programme, Science and Technology Division, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh: Regional Workshop on Disaster Preparedness and Remote Sensing, Dacca, 9-11 December 1979". Disasters. 4 (2): 138–139. doi:10.1111/j.1467-7717.1980.tb00264.x. ISSN 0361-3666. PMID 20958459.
- ^ "বাংলাদেশ মহাকাশ গবেষণা ও দূর অনুধাবন প্রতিষ্ঠান স্থাপনকল্পে প্রণীত আইন" [An Act to establish the Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Institute]. Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
- ^ Chowdhury, Masud Hasan (2012). "SPARRSO". In Sirajul Islam; Miah, Sajahan; Khanam, Mahfuza; Ahmed, Sabbir (eds.). Banglapedia: the National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Online ed.). Dhaka, Bangladesh: Banglapedia Trust, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. ISBN 984-32-0576-6. OCLC 52727562. OL 30677644M. Retrieved 20 March 2026.
- ^ "SGAC Bangladesh". Space Generation Advisory Council. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
- ^ Cannes (12 May 2018). "Bangabandhu Satellite 1 successfully launched". Thales Group. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
- ^ a b c "Final Report On Preparation of soil maps for remaining divisions and compilation of soil maps prepared in the previous year under BRRL during the year 2016-2017" (PDF). Roads and Highways Department. 5 April 2017. Retrieved 7 March 2026.