An African Space Agency: A Proposed Centerpiece of African Union Space Policy
- Paper number
IAC-18,E3,1,12,x42020
- Author
Mr. Mustapha Agbadi, Nigeria, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) CSC
- Year
2018
- Abstract
This paper discussed the need for an African Space Agency on the the platform of the African Union and further proposed it to be the centerpiece of African Union Space Policy. African Space Program have been in existence for more than fifty (50) years as the first attempt by an African to land on the moon was made in 1964 by a Zambian High School Teacher Edward Mukaka Nkoloso who attempted to surpass the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic's (USSR's) and the United State of America in the race to land on the moon. Although he did not succeed, his ambitious idea gave rise to the numerous Space Programs that Africa boasts of today. This paper examined a Brief History of Space Exploration by the top five (5) African Space Faring Nations that are currently running an Advanced Space Program as well as the African Union Space Policy and Strategy of 2016. The doctrinal method of research was adopted where by books, journals, articles and internet sourced materials were used. The paper also made some findings which includes amongst others the need to establish an African Space Agency that will address current and emerging issues surrounding the African Space Policy of 2016. It was also proposed and recommended that the African Union (AU) should take concerted efforts in establishing a regional body called 'African Space Agency,' that will regulate emerging space actors within the region as well as to harness the lofty benefits of space exploration for the benefit of Africa and humanity at large.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)