Assisting Development Across the African Continent Using Space Applications

Paper number

IAC-12,E3,1,4,x12921

Author

Mr. Jeffrey R. Osborne, University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies, Canada

Coauthor

Ms. Monica Ebert, Florida Institute of Technology, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Stavros Georgakas, International Space University (ISU), France

Coauthor

Mr. Rafael Hernández Villatoro, International Space University (ISU), France

Coauthor

Mr. Christopher Johnson, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), United States

Coauthor

Mr. Hemil Modi, International Space University (ISU), France

Coauthor

Mr. Ricardo Topham, International Space University (ISU), France

Year

2012

Abstract

This paper will present the conclusions of the Team Project entitled Space in Africa of the International Space University's (ISU) Master's Program 2012 (MSc 2012), held in Strasbourg, France.

In addition to identifying ways in which space development can aid countries with an already well established space industry, there exists a need to demonstrate how space can be utilized in assisting in the sustained socio-economic development of underdeveloped or developing nations. Space can provide many benefits - from remote sensing applications, spin-off technologies, or even establishing self-sustained commercial industries. However, the question remains, "How can these applications or technologies assist countries with little or no space development?"

The IDentifying Effective Applications of Space for Africa (IDEAS for Africa) team at ISU's MSc 2012 will assess how space can contribute to improve the sustained social and economic development in Africa. Using three dissimilar African countries as examples, the IDEAS Team will propose space spin-off technologies, satellite applications, and space business potentials applicable in fostering development. Each area - spin-off technologies, satellite applications, and space business potentials - will be analyzed for each of the three African nations and will show how these activities can best be used to promote development. South Africa, Morocco, and Liberia were selected not only based on their respective levels of space development, but also because they differ geographically, socially, economically, and politically. Therefore, a broad comparative analysis can be performed by investigating the effects of the three space activities for these three selected countries. Finally, due to the dissimilarity of the three countries, parallels can be drawn to other nations that are at comparable levels of development, and can show how space can be used to drive development across the African continent.

Abstract document

IAC-12,E3,1,4,x12921.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-12,E3,1,4,x12921.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.