Space Technology important everywhere
Dear all,
Space exploration is as fascinating as ever. One of the challenges facing less developed countries is to convince the politicians importance of space activities particularly that the less developed countries should also invest in space technology. Investment could target usage of existing technology, planning to send spacecrafts or having them sent on their behalf, and making use of freely available space-generated data.
It is one area we could be looking.
Mlenge
Hi Mlenge!
I agree with you that developing countries should have access to space generated data and start appreciating the use of space applications.
Recently I read about a project that does just that. Here are some catch-phrases to get everybodys interest:
"A new satellite system will give the world's poorest countries unprecedented access to environmental and health data from a globe straddling network of satellites and weather stations.
Worls Meterological Organisation (WMO), the United States, China and European countries jointly developed Eumetsat GEONETCast.
All you need is a personal computer and satellite reception system which cost around $500."
Check out these links for more information:
http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2006-12/2006-12-22-voa40.cfm?CFID...
http://www.earthobservations.org/progress/GEONETCast.html
http://www.eumetsat.int/Home/Main/What_We_Do/Cooperation/Technical_Coope...
Cheers,
Alex
Hi !
I agree with Alex's comments. Truly having a personal computer with satellite reception at a cost of about $ 500 should not be very difficult, as a $ 100 WiFi, video camera, multimedia enabled AMD Geode Laptop is already being marketed by the Laptop Foundation:
http://www.laptop.org/en/laptop/hardware/specs.shtml
Different languages are used for the keyboard layouts : Portugal, West African, Thai, Arabic, French, and Urdu. It gives a fair idea as to the kind of markets they are looking at. I think this has more to do with marketing gimmicks since it is targetted for certain audiences and markets.
I would however appreciate that apart from the commercial benefits, these technology platforms also boost traditional educational patterns and make it more usable as an educational tool rather than a commercial venture. This is where we as SG can play our part, I think.
Regards,
Hi Alex and Imran,
Thanks for good links.
The data could be made available -- the challenge is to have the developing countries make good use of them, by fitting the products of analysis into their decision-making matrix.
One of the best entry-points, is through educational institutions.
Mlenge Fanuel
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania
Dear all, GEONET cast really will be a great turning point for developing world so SGAC can take this advantage as of their promotional activities in the developing wolrd.
I belive developing countries will then concentrate their mind on space generation
Wow! I think the GEONETcast project is really a milestone in helping the third world access the space industry!
More projects like this need to be implemented, because the more that these countries can experience such technology, the better the insight they will get into the huge benefits that such projects provide!
Of course, one of the main problems is financing, but, as highlighted here, there are affordable ways to access these projects.
The main concentration needs to be collaboration between countries. A space agency itself is incredably expensive to run and fund. This is highlighted by the fact that only the US and Russia can afford their own agencies, whereas the ESA needs vital contributions from all its smaller member states to run missions, but functions well doing so.
The wealthier countries, I feel, should also contribute and encourage developing countries space efforts (as they have with GEONETcast), not only to help spread space education to the globe, but to tap into all the unseen potential that these countries could offer to the field given the right resources.
Improvements in media and school education are vital tools in this effort. There should also be much more effort in recruiting astronauts from all around the world. I believe that we have recently seen the first Malaysian and South Korean astronauts in the programme, and I am sure that this will inspire many in their home countries to reach for the stars!
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Joined: 2007-03-02