Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization

Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization
বাংলাদেশ মহাকাশ গবেষণা ও দূর অনুধাবন কেন্দ্র
Acronym SPARRSO
Owner  Bangladesh
Established 1980
Headquarters Agargaon, Sher-e-Bangla Nogor, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Administrator Shaheen Khan
Website www.sparrso.gov.bd

The Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (Bengali: বাংলাদেশ মহাকাশ গবেষণা ও দূর অনুধাবন কেন্দ্র Bangladesh môhakash gôbeshôna o dur ônudhabôn kendrô), or SPARRSO, is a state agency concerned with astronomical research and the application of space technology in Bangladesh. 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.

History

[1] Space Technology applications in Bangladesh started in 1968 through the establishment of APT ground station in the then Atomic Energy Centre. This station was put under SARC of the BAEC In 1972. Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS) Programme was taken up in Bangladesh with the advent of American ERTS and it was renamed as (BLP) Bangladesh Landsat Programme with the renaming of the programme by NASA. SPARRSO was stablished in 1980 by merging SARC and BLP. The National Assembly passed an act in 1991 creating this organization. It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Defence.

Work and Objective

SPARRSO is a multisectoral research and development agency of the Government of Bangladesh under the Ministry of Defence. It is functioning as an autonomous organization.

SPARRSO is being entrusted with space and remote sensing technology to survey the natural resources and monitor the environment and Natural hazards in Bangladesh. It also operates and maintains satellite ground receiving stations including data collection platforms and develop instrumentation facilities and manpower capabilities for both visual and computer analyses of satellite and airborne data for application in various sectors of national economy, and also acts as the focal point for space and remote sensing activities in the country and to provide the government with relevant information in formulating national, regional and international policy concerning space science and remote sensing technology and their application in sustainable development.

SPARRSO has a total manpower of 190 including scientists and other technical and non-technical personnel. It has technical capabilities, trained manpower and allied facilities for receiving, processing, analyzing, archiving and utilizing aerial photographs and satellite images.[2]

Activities

Broad Category of SPARRSO Activities

Category 1: Operational Activities towards National Interest

Category 2: Research & Technological Development Activities

Category 3: Activities to Support National Development

Category 4: Nation Building Mile Stone Activities of SPARRSO

Category 5: Human Resource Development on RS & GIS Technology

Commandment

1. SPARRSO has been applying peacefully space and remote sensing technology, in the field of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Geology, Cartography, Water Resources, Land use, Weather, Environment, Geography, Oceanography, Science, Education, science based Knowledge and other related space research areas. It also perform research activities for developing this technology and its practical application.

2. Provides necessary information and disseminates research results to the Government and different relevant user agencies.

3. It provides the Government about the development of space and remote sensing technology of different countries and gives advice for formulation of national policy to the Government.

4. Conducts training, technical research, survey and monitor on space and remote sensing technology and cooperates national or international organization or institutes in the relevant matter.

5. Framing development project to perform research activities on space and remote sensing technology and implement it taking prior approval from the Government.

6. Take any measures regarding the above-mentioned work at any time as it feels necessary.

Divisions

At present, there are total 17 working divisions in SPARRSO.They are:

1. Atmospheric Division

2. Agriculture Division

3. Agro-hydrometeorology Division

4. Forestry Division

5. Water Resources Division

6. Oceanography Division

7. Fisheries Division

8. Cartography Division

9. Ground Station Division

10. Photographic Division

11. Ocean Physics Division

12. Instrumentation and Data Processing Division

13. Ground Truth Division

14. Geology Division

15. Rocket Technology Development Division

16. Space Physics & Rocket Dynamics Division

17. Regional Remote Sensing Center (RRSC)

Ground Stations

[3] Here is the list of total ground stations at SPARRSO.

Collaboration

International Cooperation and Collaboration of SPARRSO:

In accordance with the legal responsibilities entrusted on SPARRSO by the SPARRSO Act, 1991, vide section 8 & 9 SPARRSO is playing active role for development of international cooperation and collaboration by participating in the international space technology related activities. SPARRSO has been maintaining very close and effective collaboration, and good cooperation with the international organizations and agencies of different countries.

Research

SPARRSO conducts research works on various aspects of geo-disciplinary subject areas of RS-GIS technologies. The research items include technological development on RS-GIS algorithms aims at better techniques for geoinformation retrieval along with effective approaches towards fruitful application of such technology.[4]

Achievements & Recognitions

See also

References

  1. ↑ ,http://www.sparrso.gov.bd/x/organization.htm
  2. ↑ http://www.sparrso.gov.bd/new/organization/
  3. ↑ ,http://www.sparrso.gov.bd/x/ground-stations.htm
  4. ↑ http://www.sparrso.gov.bd/new/research/

External links