Translation of Space Imperative for National Development and Capacity Building through Vision, Coordinated Efforts and Strategic Partnerships
- Paper number
IAC-07-E3.1.03
- Author
Mr. Harijono Djojodihardjo, Universitas Al Azhar Indonesia, Indonesia
- Coauthor
Mr. Md Said Azlin, International Space University (ISU), France
- Coauthor
Dr. Md. Azlin Md. Said, Malaysia
- Year
2007
- Abstract
The challenge for space program initiatives for developing countries, as exemplified by Indonesia and Malaysia, is discussed and reviewed in view of its imperative for National Development and Capacity Building through Vision, Coordinated Efforts and Strategic Partnerships. In particular, underlying motivation and prevailing circumstances as encountered by these countries in its march for social and economic development has been analyzed using objectives and paradigm for achieving fundamental objectives of national development, mankind demands for fundamental, progressive and sustainable quality of life and progress in science and technology, in particular as it was related and driven by progress in space technology and application, and the -country objective and mission-oriented vision of decision makers and stakeholders and its translation into commitments to in capacity building. In particular, university role and participation in in-country space technology development study has been elaborated, with examples being drawn from two specific countries: Malaysia and Indonesia. Encouraging progress and development in this regards has been identified. In retrospect, it is heartening that the relevance of space related initiatives to down-to-earth basic human needs to a larger extend has been shared by stakeholders, by significant breakthrough in overcoming social, cultural and technological handicaps. The emergence and growing development of strategic technologies, cooperative spirit, globalization of information and vision for global techno-economic networking is considered to be responsible to the favorable paradigm shift that has enabled and conducive to the translation of Space Imperative for National Development and Capacity Building through Vision, Coordinated Efforts and Strategic Partnerships in relevant, mission-oriented and affordable space initiatives of these countries. Translating the objective implicitly implied by the establishment of the UN COPUOS and citing the hope expressed by Abiodun[1], the author would like to see that: 1. regional cooperative efforts in space activities could further be developed for mutual benefits and affordable and synergistic space initiatives 2. favorable paradigm shift due to progress in science and technology driven by mankind quest for better and environmentally sustainable quality of life will further develop 3. there is a need for further vision sharing and synergy between national and international stakeholders, in particular the government, university and research institutions, business enterprises and private and international organizations in translating space imperatives to concerted and uninhibited space initiatives oriented towards down-to-earth mankind fundamental needs. A working partnership between government, private sector and universities and research institutions (as reflected in Fig. 2); with the support of international organizations, is crucial to the attainment of envisioned national and regional space objectives in the region. Particular considerations are given to the work carried out at the University of Science Malaysia, Malaysia, which is currently undertaking a remote sensing nanosatellite project and Institute of Technology Bandung, Indonesia, which has carried out thus far the conceptual study of Ganesya-Sat. Both Universities have the vision that Space Technology education particularly that carried out with hands-on experience will effectively contribute to space technology capacity building and technology thrust for the national development at the extreme end. Universities can play significant role in the national and regional efforts to master new sciences and technologies which require high expertise in the relevant basic sciences and along with national research institutions in the region can form indigenous broad-based scientific and technological infrastructure conducive for effective development of advanced technologies. Progressive regional initiatives that will eventually but within conceivable future will contribute to the development of regional cooperative space program, close networking and coordination of research institutions, joint governmental funding, etc, as has been carried out in many joint bilateral as well as ASEAN programs, should be initiated. To this end, efforts should be carried out by relevant stakeholders to establish political will and vision of governments for such initiatives. Effective regional or geographical cooperation as carried out and developed by the European Space Agency that has now carried out significant, strategic and far-sighted space initiatives could serve as an encouraging example. Regional or Asian cooperative initiative which capitalize on Remote Sensing Space System dedicated for tropical equatorial countries as stipulated in [6] and have been followed by national initiatives in the region (such as by Malaysia in establishing near earth satellite constellation) should be a logical and feasible step. The Asian region, in particular the ASEAN region, is poised to evolve added regional approach in the not too distant future in the ever expanding space frontier, which also implies ever expanding opportunities
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
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