Asia-Pacific

Welcome to the SGAC Asia Pacific Regional section!

The Asia Pacific region is one of the most dynamic regions for space activities with several emerging space countries, which are developing the technology to access space as well as gearing up to broaden their goals in terms of space exploration. The region also boosts a rich history and cultural connection with space. We lay out some history, few facts and would like to introduce where you can find the latest info on some of the key events that took place in Asia Pacific countries in the last couple of years. We invite you to check out the sources laid out in our national pages and get in touch with your NPoCs as well as us, the RCs.

History of Space in Asia Pacific:

Many believe that rocketry was invented in China some 2,300 years ago when Bamboo tubes were filled with the mixture and tossed into fires to create explosions during religious festivals. According to a popular legend, a Ming Dynasty official by the name of Wàn Hǔ or Wàn Hù (萬虎 or 萬戶) (d. ca. 1500) achieved spaceflight by a contraption that was made of a chair attached with 47 rockets. The technology of rocketry transfered rapidly to the Indian subcontinent where it was further developed by different kingdoms in the quest of acquiring bigger territories. One of the most documented use of an advanced version of rockets is in India in the 18th century by the rajah Hyder Ali. In Japanese culture, the oldest known narrative (from as early as the 10th century) is based on a girl from the capital of the Moon, titled 'The Tale of Princess Kaguya (かぐや姫の物語, Kaguya-hime no Monogatari)'. The regions rich and diverse cultural make up relates to space in several ways through the past centuries!

Today, Asia Pacific region boosts of several key space assets and capabilities. Japan, India, Afghanistan, China, South Korea have all sent humans to space, the region boosts a strong cooperation between nations looking to use space more extensively to aid its global security (disaster monitoring and response) and hosts civilian focused space programs for applications directly benefiting the public.

Hence, with this strong association with space, we are proud to have the strong support of active youth members from several of the Asia Pacific region. We look forward to you joining us.

Want to know more about the latest in the Region?

The SGAC Asia Pacific region publishes a bi-monthly newsletter named 'GAGAN' that features stories relevant and important to the region's youth, including news on space events, interesting projects and opportunities for conferences/symposia. You can access the current as well as past issues of GAGAN on http://www.spacegeneration.org/node/124

Current Issue - click here

You can also collaborate and exchange ideas with all from the region on our forums and on the SGAC Asia Pacific Regional Sphere! group on facebook

Feel free to check out our Educational Directory below as well as entries on the national pages. You can also find a complimenting educational directory on SEDS Edu Directory

How can you help?
* Please check the country list, if your country is not represented, we welcome you to join us as NPoC
* Become active by taking part in the regional and national forums
* Get in touch to help with volunteer opportunities and to get your ideas heard!

LATEST: April 2008
* We congratulate Republic of Korea on a successful flight of their first astronaut, Yi So-Yeon!
* We welcome our first NPoC from Myanmar, Aung Chan!

SGAC Asia Pacific Regional Coordinators,
Bee Thakore (India)
&
Imran Majid (Pakistan)