Establishing space industry in developing countries: Opportunities and difficulties

Although it is generally agreed that the outer space should be used for the benefit of all mankind, only a fraction of the countries have the necessary technological base for accessing space. Space technology, with its implications on science, economy and well-being of citizens, is mostly chosen as one of the priority areas for technological development by developing countries. However, there is already an over-capacity in global space industry and there are doubts on necessity of additional capacity establishment by developing countries. In this study, the importance and benefits of capacity-building in these countries are emphasized and the advantages and disadvantages that developing countries have in the framework of space technology acquisition are briefly presented. The feasibility of certain levels of space technology is discussed and the necessity of combining existing indigenous capabilities with technology obtained from foreign sources in the optimal way is stressed. We have also mentioned various general mechanisms of technology transfer and argued the importance of licensing in catching-up developed countries. After considering the necessary conditions of efficiency of technology, such as establishment of regional centers of space science and technology education by United Nations, joint development of space systems, complete technology transfer packages, cooperative space projects within regional organizations, coordinated constellations and special agreements with large space agencies, which are specific mechanisms already in use, are reviewed. Some typical examples of mechanisms are also given with special emphasize on small satellite technology that makes access to space affordable for many countries. Through sharing and analyzing the experience of developing countries in their odyssey of space capacity-building, the difficulties can be negotiated and the vicious circles can be broken. This study, in our view, is a step to incite a general discussion of obstacles and opportunities for developing countries, that could help them in using their limited resources effectively, hence, enable them to offer better conditions to their citizens and to contribute space science to a larger extend.     

Space research policies in advanced and developing countries

The motivations for the conduct of space research and the development of space research policies by different constituencies and different types of countries are analyzed. Concerning space research in developing countries, four main aspects are discussed: 1. The role of space research for the achievement of “critical mass” by research groups; 2. The role of space research in higher education; 3. The identification of space research problems to which a country can make significant contributions; and 4. Multinational cooperation among developing countries in space research.     

世界航空动力技术的现状及发展动向

讲述了喷气战斗机动力的发展历程.推重比8一级发动机是目前世界各发达国家现役主战机种的动力,配装推重比10一级发动机的第4代战斗机预计在2003～2007年后陆续装备使用,成为美国、部分西方国家甚至我国部分周边国家和地区2010年后的主战机种.概括了民用涡扇发动机和直升机动力的发展及其主要关键技术.列举了21世纪航空动力主要关键技术的发展方向.     

Capacity building in regional space cooperation: Asia-pacific space cooperation organization

The increasing gap in the space capabilities of different countries has led to the need for capacity building in modern times. Space capacity building of countries without or with limited space capacity via international cooperation with advanced spacefaring nations is a good practice towards intragenerational equity among all spacefaring countries, and between spacefaring and non-spacefaring countries at the same period of time. A case study is used here to show the current situation of the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO) and its member states that are associated with their space capacity building. The study finds that neither the satellite technology development model developed by Wood and Weigel (2011) nor the model developed by Ercan and Kale (2017) is a good fit for the development of space capability in all of the developing countries. Therefore, using the APSCO member states as a case study may offer guidelines towards the space capacity building of other developing countries. Moreover, an in-depth analysis of the merits and flaws of APSCO’s capacity building programs through comparing them with similar projects carried out by the European Space Agency (ESA), the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) and some other countries is conducive to providing some references for regional cooperation in the field of space capacity building. While international space law and the APSCO Convention can provide the general principles for capacity building activities under the framework of APSCO, they are only relevant to the development of scientific and technological capacities for space and human resources rather than organizational development and legal frameworks. Some international soft laws can likewise provide guidance for the capacity building activities of APSCO and its member states in the areas of international direct television broadcasting, remote sensing and cooperative way. To enhance its and its member states’ space capabilities, APSCO, in the context of space commercialization and maintaining the long-term sustainability of outer space activities (LTSOSA), should establish a comprehensive internal regime that addresses scientific and technological capacity building for space, human resources, organizational development and legal frameworks, a flexible regime for international cooperation with other developed spacefaring nations and international organizations with relevant technical capabilities and an internal research center for space law, and actively expand its membership by embracing other economically or technologically developed spacefaring nations in the Asia-Pacific region.     

细胞卫星与原位重构

综述日本、美国和德国等国家提出的细胞卫星概念与研究现状,归纳了细胞卫星的实现技术,建议对细胞卫星共性技术、原位重构技术以及活细胞卫星开展预先研究.     

Balloon research and cooperative programmes

Scientific ballooning as well as the use of balloons for operational projects, deserves and indeed enjoys a high degree of attention in developing countries. Balloon projects are in most cases relatively inexpensive and - besides the scientific merits in their own realm - lend themselves also as “training” projects for larger space programmes. An important aspect of scientific ballooning is the necessity of cooperation, in many cases on an international scale. Examples for these are given and the relevance of balloon projects for developing countries are discussed.     

Transfer of space science and technology: A third world point of view

In contrast to the more common discussions on the how, where and when of transfer of space science and technology, we open a general discussion on the consequences of the space era in the developing countries and draw attention to the fact that space science and technology create a scientific and economic dependence on the industrially developed countries. Recommendations are made to render the space programs more beneficial to the Third World. These include : formation of local groups of high level space scientists and experts; instead of sophisticated transferred technology the use of space technologies appropriate to local economic and social status; services to the poorest fraction of the population and educational programs that protect the indigenous cultures.     

Remote sensing techniques for monitoring and managing irrigated lands

Agriculture in semi-arid tracts of the world depends on water to sustain its irrigation systems. Such agricultural systems either derive from government investments in the control of surface flow or they have been developed through the exploitation of groundwater sometimes by a large community of unsupervised individuals seeking to maximise their own advantage without concern for the resource upon which they depend in the medium and long term. In both cases government agencies need data on the area irrigated and the volume of water used. In countries with highly developed scientific and agricultural institutions the contribution of remote sensing, though significant, may only provide between five and ten per cent of the data required to guide regional and national managers. In countries without such institutions the proportion contributed by remote sensing can be very much higher, as shown in a recent study in North Africa. The paper will emphasise the importance of carefully structured sampling procedures, both to improve the areal estimates from satellite imagery and the estimates of water use based upon them. The role of satellite imagery in providing information on the status of water resources, on trends in water use and in the implementation of policies to extend or diminish irrigated land are discussed.     

Toward a global space exploration program: A stepping stone approach

In response to the growing importance of space exploration in future planning, the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Panel on Exploration (PEX) was chartered to provide independent scientific advice to support the development of exploration programs and to safeguard the potential scientific assets of solar system objects. In this report, PEX elaborates a stepwise approach to achieve a new level of space cooperation that can help develop world-wide capabilities in space science and exploration and support a transition that will lead to a global space exploration program. The proposed stepping stones are intended to transcend cross-cultural barriers, leading to the development of technical interfaces and shared legal frameworks and fostering coordination and cooperation on a broad front. Input for this report was drawn from expertise provided by COSPAR Associates within the international community and via the contacts they maintain in various scientific entities. The report provides a summary and synthesis of science roadmaps and recommendations for planetary exploration produced by many national and international working groups, aiming to encourage and exploit synergies among similar programs. While science and technology represent the core and, often, the drivers for space exploration, several other disciplines and their stakeholders (Earth science, space law, and others) should be more robustly interlinked and involved than they have been to date. The report argues that a shared vision is crucial to this linkage, and to providing a direction that enables new countries and stakeholders to join and engage in the overall space exploration effort. Building a basic space technology capacity within a wider range of countries, ensuring new actors in space act responsibly, and increasing public awareness and engagement are concrete steps that can provide a broader interest in space exploration, worldwide, and build a solid basis for program sustainability. By engaging developing countries and emerging space nations in an international space exploration program, it will be possible to create a critical bottom-up support structure to support program continuity in the development and execution of future global space exploration frameworks. With a focus on stepping stones, COSPAR can support a global space exploration program that stimulates scientists in current and emerging spacefaring nations, and that will invite those in developing countries to participate—pursuing research aimed at answering outstanding questions about the origins and evolution of our solar system and life on Earth (and possibly elsewhere). COSPAR, in cooperation with national and international science foundations and space-related organizations, will advocate this stepping stone approach to enhance future cooperative space exploration efforts.     

Mars glob: Creation of an international network of Mars surface landers

Program MARS GLOB provides step-by-step deployment of an international network of Mars surface stations by association the MESUR NETWORK (USA), INTERMARS-NET (ESA) programs with the network of small stations and penetrators now under developing in Russia jointly with international cooperation in frameworks of the MARS-96 Project. It is offering also delivery on Mars surface two penetrators and Mars Rover. Now penetrators and Rover are developing by Russia with participation of other countries in frameworks of the MARS-98 (or MARS TOUR) Project.     

The role of the society of Latin American specialists on remote sensing (SELPER) in the analysis and actions related to the main advances and needs of spatial remote sensing for Latin America

The existence of SELPER (Sociedad de Especialistas Latinoamericanos en Percepción Remota / Society of Latinamerican Specialists on Remote Sensing) has filled a great gap among latinamerican countries. SELPER was formed in 1980 and several important activities, having international support, have been performed and are planned in the near future. SELPER consolidation will help develop several important regional cooperation programs and the next years look very promisory in this sense. Different steps are planned but the most important is related with the formation of such a Latin American Council on Remote Sensing, having official support from different countries of the region; SELPER can help this important objective. Main advances and needs are summarized in this paper and it is possible to conclude that SELPER will be important for regional and inter-regional scientific and technical cooperation on remote sensing.     

Experiences of the GDR in space sciences and technology

Following a historical review of the first activities of GDR scientists in the fields of space research, especially on astronomical and geodetical satellite-observations and in atmospheric and magnetospheric research, the growing scientific and increasingly efficient technological and economic benefits of the cooperation of the Academy of sciences and other scientific and technological institutions of the GDR within the Intercosmos-programme are described. Especially, the experiences in connection with remote sensing, of the cooperation with countries as Cuba and the Peoples Republic of Vietnam and of the common USSR - GDR manned spaceflight are discussed under the viewpoint of the mutual interests of developing and developed countries in the fields of space science and technology.     

Latin American space activities based on different infrastructures

The paper deals with recent basic space research and space applications in several Latin-American countries. It links space activities with national scientific and institutional infrastructures and stresses the importance of interdisciplinary space programs, that can play a major role in the developing countries achievement of self reliance in space matters.     

Proposal for a United Nations Basic Space Technology Initiative

The United Nations Programme on Space Applications, implemented by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, promotes the benefits of space-based solutions for sustainable economic and social development. The Programme assists Member States of the United Nations to establish indigenous capacities for the use of space technology and its applications. In the past the Programme has primarily been focusing on the use of space applications and on basic space science activities. However, in recent years there has been a strong interest in a growing number of space-using countries to build space technology capacities, for example, the ability to develop and operate small satellites. In reaction to this development, the United Nations in cooperation with the International Academy of Astronautics has been organizing annual workshops on small satellites in the service of developing countries. Space technology related issues have also been addressed as part of various other activities of the Programme on Space Applications. Building on these experiences, the Office for Outer Space Affairs is now considering the launch of a new initiative, preliminarily titled the United Nations Basic Space Technology Initiative (UNBSTI), to promote basic space technology development. The initiative would be implemented in the framework of the Programme on Space Applications and its aim would be to help building sustainable capacities for basic space technology education and development, thereby advancing the operational use of space technology and its applications.     

基于人工智能技术的雷达目标检测

强杂波背景下的目标检测是各国争相研究的热点,传统的雷达目标检测技术无法实现,人工智能技术的出现,其在目标识别和特征提取方面的独特优势,使得强杂波背景下的目标检测成为可能,利用人工智能神经网络的强大非线性预测能力对海杂波的非线性动力方程进行逼近,实现了对海杂波的非线性预测,提出了一种基于神经网络技术的强海杂波背景下的脉冲多普勒雷达导引头小目标检测方法,使得强海杂波背景下的目标检测能力有2 dB到6 dB的提升。     

The use of Earth resources satellites in the development of Latin America

Remote Sensing Technology has been used since 1972 by the governments of Latin America to promote national and regional development activities. Dedicated centers totally involved in remote sensing research and development were created. Major investment programs were also promoted by the Latin American countries to include satellite remote sensing technology in their national projects.     

真空和温度对卫星太阳电池翼板展开的影响

本文针对卫星上折页式太阳电池翼板的展开,根据国内外卫星的一些实际飞行情况与地面的模拟试验,着重分析了真空和低温对展开的影响,强调在地面做真空低温环境中展开试验、测量其展开特性的重要性。最后对展开机构提出了几点看法和建议。     

A critical look at space technology and the developing world

Technology is neutral, its use is not. Its introduction and use take place in social, cultural, political and economic contexts which can be at considerable variance with those of the introducing countries, and which are not homogeneous within countries having wide variations in knowldege, background skills, and interpretations of meaning and opportunity.This paper tries to take a dispassionate look at the social and cultural factors that are involved in the introduction, use, and maintenance of space technology in the developing world.     

敏捷性研究的进展

继敏捷性和过失速机动一文后，继续跟踪国外有关敏捷性问题的进展，就敏捷性定义；敏捷性的量度及其与飞行品质的关系；用有人驾驶的模拟器评估敏捷性；从敏捷性角度考虑一体化飞行控制系统设计等方面作了综述和评估。     

Gender diversity in geo-spatial technology and applications disciplines uptake in developing Asian countries – A survey-based competency analysis

Geo-Spatial Technology and Applications (GSTA) contributes significantly to the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which seeks to ‘leave no one behind’. This study attempts to assess the gender diversity in enrolment in GSTA programmes in developing countries in Asia using data available with the UN-affiliated Regional Centre in India. A survey was also conducted to gauge trainees’ comfort in a complex multi-cultural, multi-linguistic classroom environment. The analysis shows that female participation in short-term courses has been increasing rather steeply over the years (1995–2019). The enrolment has reached 30% in recent years. It is also observed that the female participants have preferred (about 10%) to enrol in physical Science and Technology (ST) -oriented courses such as Remote Sensing and GIS, Satellite Meteorology and Climate Change, and Space and Atmospheric Sciences when compared to electrical Engineering and Technology-oriented Satellite Communications and Global Navigation Satellite Systems courses that would require a strong knowledge of digital signals and systems theory.The survey study with a participation of 150 trainees from 17 countries shows that women trainees have a slight edge by 9% over the male counterparts in learning ST elements of the courses. At sub-regional levels, it is observed that participants from Indian sub-continent countries (ISC) are better by 15% than participants from South-east Asian Countries (SAC) and Central Asian Countries (CAC). As far as the course structure perspective is concerned, there has been a significant difference with 70% of the ISC trainees have found the courses as well-balanced covering equally both technology and applications, while only 36% and 56% of the trainees from SAC and CAC, respectively, have found the course as balanced. Importantly, the survey has revealed that the participants from SAC and CAC have a big challenge in apprehending lectures in English, as reflected by their top scores at 18% and 17%, respectively, compared with the corresponding value of the ISC trainees being 72%. Recommendations are suggested to sustain the female enrolment in long-term GSTA training programmes. Strategies that create family-friendly learning conditions, including joint education programmes involving lead institutions of the participants’ countries, are proposed to facilitate higher female participation. Furthermore, measures such as standardisation of curricula regionally at undergraduate levels and having periodic meetings of trainers are recommended in order to minimise the trainees’ core competency gaps in GSTA disciplines at the regional level.