A New Focus For Sino-European Space Cooperation: Applications For Sustainable Development

Paper number

IAC-07-E3.I.03

Author

Dr. Wolfgang Rathgeber, European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), Austria

Year

2007

Abstract

Sustainable development is of outmost concern for developing countries that often witness economic progress at the detriment of their environment. China has been identified as the principal country at risk due to an impressive rate of economic growth and astonishing development. The World Summit on Sustainable Development of 2002 in its plan of implementation made explicit reference to space technology as a tool for sustainable development in five areas, namely Education, Training, and Capacity Building; Water Resources Management; Disaster Monitoring and Conflicts; Climate Change; and Global Mappings, Land-use Monitoring and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

However, developing countries like China are often unable to bridge the gap between space technology capabilities and the needs of sustainable development. Europe, that is taking the lead in global sustainability initiatives, should therefore enter into a closer dialogue with China on this issue, extending from science and technology issues to space activities in particular. Sino-European cooperation in space goes back to several decades. At present, beyond GALILEO, it includes the common CNSA (China National Space Administration)/ESA Double Star mission complementing ESA’s Cluster mission and the NRSCC (National Remote Sensing Center of China)/ESA Dragon programme for Earth Observation using data from ESA’s ERS and Envisat missions for science and applications development.

As a new focus, emphasis within Sino-European space cooperation should be put on applications for sustainable development in the years to come.  Regarding Earth Observation, this could be done within the framework of the Dragon programme, which already encompasses features like observation of farming areas, flooding surveillance, cartography, water reserve assessment, air quality and earth slide surveillance. However, the Dragon Programme is still quite science oriented and would need to become more application oriented.

The Chinese government has repeatedly stated that its space programme is solely designed to support the peaceful development of its country. By focussing on cooperation in space applications for sustainable development, Europe will be able to introduce, monitor and enhance a sustainable component of the Chinese development, resulting in mutual benefit for both sides. Furthermore, such a focus would limit political sensitivities resulting from closer Sino-European cooperation. This paper is based on the findings of a study performed by the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) on China’s posture in space and its implications for Europe.   

Abstract document

IAC-07-E3.I.03.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-E3.I.03.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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