Africa's Space Heritage inventory, analysis, future possibilities

Paper number

IAC-11,E4,4,4,x9279

Author

Mr. Keith Gottschalk, University of the Western Cape, South Africa

Year

2011

Abstract

To date, published works on space history in   Africa have invariably focused on only one country, or on merely one project in one country. The first IAC in Africa is both symbolic and the appropriate site for a paradigm shift.

	This paper seeks to explore how a continental perspective may indicate niches where the African whole may be greater than the sum of its parts. It starts with an inventory of Africa’s space heritage infrastructure. Next, it analyses the current proliferation of African space-related institutions and initiatives, some with international partners such as UNESCO and the IAU.

	It debates to what extent the African Resource Management Constellation (ARMC) and the Regional African Satellite Communications Organization (RASCOM) may serve as models for future cooperation, and where they have had difficulties. 

	The conclusion will discuss future possibilities, with a focus on where African space may achieve a critical mass. Corporate and other non-governmental space participants will become increasingly important.

Abstract document

IAC-11,E4,4,4,x9279.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-11,E4,4,4,x9279.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.