|
Establishing the African Institute of Space Science
As a whole, Africa is very poorly represented in
the space science. Space technology is advancing
at an increasing pace, yet most African
countries lack the human, technical and financial
resources to utilise existing space-based
infrastructure for even the most basic applications
in meteorology, communications and
natural resource management. Space science
provides a unique vantage-point from which to
study the natural environment on the grandest
possible scale and from which to deliver communications.
By its very nature space provides a
platform to address problems from a regional
perspective. This will foster multi-lateral cooperation
and largely eliminate the needs for any
single country to shoulder the full burden of
developing capability to utilise space applications.
Space science and technology form as much a
part of the social, cultural and political landscape
today as oceanic exploration did 300 years ago.
The use of space science for development in
Africa presents opportunities that cannot be
ignored, and there is need to establish institutional
arrangements to enable Africa to tap the
benefits. The current and emerging space science
capacities in Southern Africa, and its growing
scientific linkages with other countries in the
region, has highlighted the need for improved
coordination of current and future activities in
order to maximise the scientific and societal benefits
of space science.
The concept of an African Institute of Space
Science is currently under discussion by a variety
of stakeholders on the continent. The proposed
Institute would promote and coordinate crosscutting
multi-disciplinary research and applications
in space science and technology to address
the development needs of the region.
Programme Objectives
This programme will focus on determining the
feasibility of establishing AISS and related programmes.
It will specifically aim at:
- Building public and policy-makers’
awareness of the benefits of space
science to Africa’s economic transformation
and sustainable development;
- Mapping global trends and identifying
specific technological opportunities;
and
- Identifying specific institutional
arrangements for space science in
Africa.
Indicative Activities
To realize the above goals, the following activities
and/or actions will be taken:
- Establishment of an inter-governmental
experts’ committee—a committee of experts
will be created to conduct a feasibility study
for the establishment of the AISS. The
committee will focus on such issues as what
should be the mission and programmes of
the AISS; the organizational configuration;
specific funding needs and sources; and
human resources endowment. The committee
shall present its report to AMCOST.
- Establishment of a website and media out
reach on space science and their benefits—to
build public and policy-makers’ understanding
of the benefits of space science and
create a constituency for the proposed AISS,
a web-based outreach project will be
established. This will be facilitated by experts
in public understanding of science. In addition,
such media as radio, newspapers and
TV will be used to promote public understanding.
Special media programmes on
space science will be developed and
promoted.
- Organize an African electronic conference on
space science—to solicit views and technical
input from the international community, an
e-conference on space science and related
opportunities will be organized. The conference
agenda and deliberations will be
guided by a background paper to be
commissioned.
|
