Stimulating the Lithuanian Space Program: Lessons Learned from the Launch of Lituanica Sat-1 and LitSat-1
- Paper number
IAC-14,B4,1,2,x27127
- Author
Dr. Alexander MacDonald, Jet Propulsion Laboratory - California Institute of Technology, United States
- Year
2014
- Abstract
How can we stimulate meaningful space programs in developing countries? Although economic and political theory can be helpful, there is no substitute for on the ground experience. Based on the personal experience of having stimulated and supported the Lithuanica-80 initiative - compromising the country's two first satellites in orbit - from their inception in 2010, this paper outlines a basic economic and political theory on the current value of small satellites and explores the practical meaning of that theory within the context of the recent successes of the Lithuanian space program. Particular aspects explored are: the transformational nature of low-cost cubesat access to space; the importance of private-sector Lithuanian support; the role of external partners in generating in-country support; and the role of space technology in shaping national identity and narrative. In addition, because of the relative importance of the NASA visit to Lithuania in 2011, there are lessons learned in terms of how to enact low-cost, mutually-beneficial foreign policy technology projects as well.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)