How to initiate and develop space science and outreach activities in developing countries

Paper number

IAC-13,E1,6,7,x18406

Author

Ms. Behnoosh Meskoob, Turkey

Coauthor

Ms. Safoura Tanbakouei, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), Iran

Year

2013

Abstract

Science outreach is an umbrella term for a variety of activities by research institutes, universities, and institutions such as science museums, and NGOs aimed at promoting public awareness  of science and making informal contributions to science education. One branch of science outreach is space outreach activities aiming to raise awareness for space science and technology. 

The goal of space outreach activities are public awareness and benefit and bringing space science and technology in more simple worlds among nations. In this paper we study 50 developing countries selected from 6 geographic regions that United Nations has specified with diversity of least developed, other low income countries, lower middle income and upper middle income countries and territories selected from Development Assistance Committee (DAC) list. We focus on the common characteristics of space emerging nations and their history like  having space agency, satellite, rocket, cubesat, sub-orbital missions, educational elements such as space science, aerospace, astronautical/aeronautical engineering in universities, special events such as Yuri's night, World Space Week, competitions like cansat, rocket and other public events. We obtain the data from available documents spread globally along with talking to youth involved in outreach activities in respective countries like national points of contacts. 

The purpose of the paper is to show whether these developing countries can be considered as emerging space nations, have they started space outreach activities and if not, how using experience of other nations in developing space outreach can help these countries. By reaching this purpose, both society and space industry will benefit. Furthermore, we discuss how space outreach activities will affect the industry and society, then we propose sets of recommendation and either short- or long-term roadmap based on other space emerging nations' experience in order to be applied for those developing countries that need to start, as well as how to develop further efficient activities for other developing countries using the experience of developed nations.

Abstract document

IAC-13,E1,6,7,x18406.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-13,E1,6,7,x18406.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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