- Email: [email protected]
Basic space science and developing countries
I~
UTT E RWORTH E [ N E M A N
N
0265-9646(95)00003--8
Space Pc'licy 1995 11 (2) 89-94 Copyright © 1995 Elsevier Science Limitcd Printed in Grcat Britain. All rights reservcd 11265-9(-,46/95/$10.(X)
Viewpoint Basic space science and developing countries Nandasiri Jasentuliyana
Basic science - including space science - is vital for national development, but developing countries often meet obstacles to participation in the international scientific community. This can be mitigated by intemational cooperation, particularly in the field of education. The author calls for a concerted effort to increase such cooperation regionally, internationally and bilaterally; international organizations should also become involved. Various forms of cooperation are suggested and UN efforts in the promotion of basic space science are described.
Nandasiri Jasentuliyana is Director of the Office for Outer Space Affairs, the United Nations Office at Vienna, Vienna International Centre, PO Box 500, A-1400, Vienna, Austria. The views expressed are those of the author, writing in his personal capacity.
SPACE
P O L I C Y M a y 1995
Basic science is a key to the prosperity of a nation, and it is almost impossible to expect significant economic and social development without a sound educational and research base in the field of basic science. In the late 1980s, the correlation between the promotion of basic science and the increase in industrial competitiveness was frequently discussed among the decisionmakers of major industrialized nations, although the whole process toward the goal would take much time, and as a result, more emphasis was placed on the applications stage in the process of technology development. The national competency in basic science has often been used as an indicator of potential national industrial power. The result of national scholastic aptitude tests in science is considered to be one of the measures to determine the national strength in industrial activities in the future. The more the basic research articles published by scientists of a nation are cited by others in academic journals, the more the nation is considered to possess the potential to lead the technological edge, which would result in an increase in or the maintenance of industrial competitiveness, though such correlation requires careful examination.
In order for a nation to keep its competency in basic science, its scientists should be fully aware of the latest progress made in scientific research. In the competitive world of the scientist, each of whom is keen to make scientific discoveries ahead of the others, communication and active discussions with scientists from other countries are indispensable. Scientists from developing countries, however, have frequently encountered difficulties in fully participating in the international scientific community, in part due to the very limited resources at their disposal for equipment and personnel, but equally because of the difficulties of keeping in touch with the international scientific community. Access to scientific journals, pre-prints of the latest papers, participation in seminars and conferences, and telephone contacts with international colleagues have posed particular obstacles for scientists from developing countries. Recent trends toward instant dissemination of the latest results by fax and through computer networks have often put developing country scientists at an even greater disadvantage compared to their colleagues in the most developed countries. The importance of basic science for
89
Basic space science and developing countries: N Jasenluliyana
'development programmes have not given adequate attention to promoting scientific research'
the national d e v e l o p m e n t and the existence of obstacles for scientists from developing countries also apply to space activities. Especially since space is seen as the new frontier which promises further economic and social prosperity in the future for successful nations, it is essential, and attractive, for a nation to acquire an independent national capability in space research at the earliest stage.
Scientific research and national development Space research, of course, is not new. It did not begin with the space age, but goes far back into history. Indeed, people in all parts of the world have speculated about the nature and the meaning of the heavens for as long as we h a v e t r a c e s of c i v i l i z a t i o n . Theories of the cosmos and the position of humanity and the Earth within the universe have always been central e l e m e n t s of c u l t u r a l beliefs and values. The space research activities that were discussed at this W o r k s h o p are also part of an intellectual tradition which goes back many centuries and which was the starting point for the d e v e l o p m e n t of most of modern science and technology. Careful and systematic observations of the movements of the Sun, Moon and planets among the fixed stars, and the generalization of these observations into mathematical equations still serve as the classical model for scientific research. The recognition that human beings are not the centre of the universe but are part of a greater natural order represented a dramatic change in people's attitude toward the world around them. This new appreciation for the interdependence of human beings and their natural environment inspired a vast expansion of interest in, and study of, the natural environment, including other planets, stars and the universe as a whole. This expansion of the natural sciences and the attempt to gain greater understanding of our relationship to the universe is continuing today. Both nationally and internationally, the concept of economic d e v e l o p m e n t has generally focused on technology
90
and applications rather than on science and research. A n d as a result, national and international development programmes, including those of the United Nations, have not given adequate attention to promoting scientific r e s e a r c h and i n t e r n a t i o n a l cooperation in science. In the long term, scientific research is essential to the intellectual, spiritual, social and economic vitality of society at any level. O n e must not only find technical solutions to the p r o b l e m s he/she understands, but one must also find new ways of understanding his/her world and how it, and the human lives it sustains, can be improved. There are three aspects of scientific research that make it a vital element in any developing society; and the term 'developing' here is used in its proper sense, namely a society at any economic level that is working to improve the lives of its people. The first aspect of science is its cumulative nature, its c o m m i t m e n t to using past knowledge in order to gain new knowledge. While science and technology are often thought of as destroyers of tradition, science is in fact more respectful of tradition than many other areas of human culture in which old beliefs may simply be discarded in favor of new speculations. It does not mean that there are no conflicts between science and tradition, however. W h e n the international culture of modern science is introduced to a traditional society, the conflict can be quite disruptive culturally, which raises the second element of science. Science is by its nature critical. While respecting existing knowledge, science is constantly evaluating that knowledge in order to find ways to improve and extend it. For people who are dogmatically attached to existing knowledge, that critical approach can be disturbing, but it is essential to development. The third element of science is its collective or c o m m u n a l nature. Scientists cannot work alone; they must have communications with other researchers. A n d it is increasingly essential that they have access to worldwide communications. The scientific community is one of the best examples in
SPACE POLICY May 1995
Basic space science and developing countries: N Jasentuliyana
the world of international cooperation, of people working together toward a common goal of general human interest, and the struggle to maintain and expand that cooperation must be supported. The goal of an independent national capability in space research does not preclude international cooperation. On the contrary, international cooperation, formally and informally, has always been central to scientific progress; and scientific research has been a particularly good example of productive international cooperation.
Cooperation between developing and developed countries While all scientific research is based on cooperation that crosses political boundaries, international cooperation is particularly important in space research. Much space research requires access to data from complex astronomical and astrophysical observatories, including observatories in space. Many of these observatories are so expensive and so complex that they can be built only by a few countries or only by cooperating groups of countries. For most scientists in the world, including the great majority of scientists in developing countries, access to space data therefore depends on international cooperation. Cooperation in the area of space scientific research has generally been exemplary. The countries and agencies a c q u i r i n g a s t r o n o m i c a l and astrophysical data make it widely available to researchers internationally, and most scientific satellites and major ground observatories include experiments and instruments designed and built in many countries. While such international cooperation in space research has been extensive, however, there have still been many obstacles to the full participation of scientists from developing countries in space research. It is necessary for scientists from both developed and developing countries to identify the specific problems faced by scientists from developing countries in order to promote further international cooperation in space science.
SPACE POLICY May 1995
It is also important to consider some of the forms that international cooperation in space research can take. A major form of international cooperation in space science has been advanced education. Advanced education is, of course, essential to the continuing development of space science in any country, and no country can provide facilities for advanced study and research in all aspects of space science. The attendance of students from developing countries at educational institutions in developed countries serves not only to educate those particular students, but also as an i m p o r t a n t m e a n s of transferring knowledge from the developed to developing countries with the returning students. Exchanges of faculty members between institutions in developed and developing countries is also an important form of cooperation. Another form of educational cooperation between developed and developing countries, less common but perhaps more important in the long term, is assistance from developed countries and international organizations for strengthening educational institutions in developing countries so that fewer students need to go abroad for education. Assistance in the form of visiting faculty, educational equipment and materials, and financial assistance can make an important contribution to greater self-reliance in education in developing countries. Advanced education in space science must be built on more basic scientific education. Students must learn e l e m e n t a r y physics, chemistry, mathematics and astronomy at the high school and undergraduate levels before they can go on to advanced graduate studies and original research. International assistance in providing basic textbooks and other educational materials at these more elementary levels could contribute to the longterm growth of space science in developing countries. One form of international cooperation that has been receiving more recognition in recent years involves scientists who are originally from developing countries but who are now working in developed countries.
91
Basic space science and developing countries: N Jasentuliyana
'The "brain drain" from developing to developed countries needs to be addressed'
92
These international scientists, familiar through special projects. ESA has also with research conditions in both de- had major bilateral projects and progveloped and developing countries, rammes with developing countries. In addition to the efforts between represent a resource of great potential value for promoting cooperation and developed and developing countries, for transferring i n f o r m a t i o n and there are a number of international knowledge in both directions. Many of scientific organizations dedicated to them have been serving as informal promoting the exchange of informachannels of international cooperation tion between scientists working on for many years, and efforts should be space research. The major international organizamade to maintain and expand their contacts with their professional col- tion in this field is COSPAR, the Committee on Space Research, of the leagues in their country of origin. International Council of Scientific UnScientific agencies in both their native and adopted countries, as well as ions. The major activity of COSPAR is the biennial Congress which brings international organizations such as the United Nations, can support this pro- together over 1 000 scientists from all over the world to discuss the latest cess. developments in all aspects of space The so-called 'brain drain' from developing to developed countries and science. The last COSPAR Congress the resulting loss of highly skilled was held in Hamburg, Germany in human resources from the developing July 1994. Another important international countries is, of course, a serious problem that needs to be addressed. organization is the International CenEfforts need to be made to promote tre of Theoretical Physics (ICTP), in awareness among authorities and the Trieste, Italy. While the ICTP does public in developing countries of the not specialize in space science, it does importance of space science and to support theoretical work in the area. ensure that space scientists have the The United Nations Office for Outer basic resources necessary to do their Space Affairs has been actively coorwork. International efforts to ensure dinating with the Centre to expand that scientists in developing countries support of space science in developing have adequate communication links to countries. the international scientific community, adequate access to the technical literature, more opportunities to participate in international meetings, ac- Regional cooperation cess to data and data processing facili- In addition to cooperation between ties, and opportunities to participate scientists from developed and dein the planning, design and use of veloping countries, consideration space observatories can reduce the needs to be given to regional cooperafeeling of developing country scien- tion between developing countries. It tists that they have to move abroad to is perhaps the main advantage of do good scientific work. regional cooperation that scientists It is essential that both developed working under similar conditions can and developing countries consider collaborate in ways that take account what actions they might take, through of those conditions. Another benefit international, regional or bilateral of regional cooperation would be the channels. The European Space Agen- sharing of expensive and complex cy (ESA) has an extensive programme facilities, such as data processing capaof space research and cooperates with bilities, allowing scientists of the reresearchers and research institutions gion to be less dependent on dearound the world in planning and veloped countries. implementing its research programAmong developing countries in the rues. ESA has been a generous sup- Middle East, several already have porter of the United Nations Program- significant space capabilities. Several me on Space Applications, through countries in the region also have faciliWorkshops, through fellowships for ties for astronomical observation and study at European space facilities and data processing. These regional capa-
SPACE POLICY May 1995
Basic space science and developing countries: N Jasentuliyana
bilities could provide an important basis for cooperation. The sharing of facilities for advanced education is another important form of regional cooperation. Different institutions and countries will have educational facilities and expertise in different areas of specialization, and the sharing of these will broaden the opportunities open to students and researchers in all countries. Arrangements to facilitate attendance by students from other countries in institutions offering advanced education in space science, exchanges of faculty and researchers, and sharing of curricula and educational materials at both advanced and elementary levels could be valuable in promoting space science in the region. Regional scientific associations, or regional branches of international organizations, can also be useful means of promoting regional cooperation and scientific advances. For its part, the United Nations is committed to improving educational and training capabilities in space science in the developing countries. Although the activities under the United Nations in the area of space science are discussed in detail in the folowing section, it should be mentioned here that an on-going initiative in this area is the establishment of Regional Centres for Space Science and Technology Education in the developing countries. These centres will initially focus on education and training in remote sensing technology and applications in various fields of resource management and environmental monitoring. There will, of course, also be a strong basic space science component to the curriculum at each centre. Planning for the establishment of centres in each region of the United Nations economic commissions, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Carribean (ECLAC), Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), is well underway. Evaluation missions to these regions have already been conducted and follow-up activities are currently being undertaken.
SPACE POLICY May 1995
UN efforts in the promotion of basic space science The United Nations Programme on Space Applications was established in 1971 by the General Assembly in order to promote international cooperation in the use of space science and technology for social and economic development. Following the Second United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space in 1982 (UNISPACE 82), the activities of the Programme on Space Applications were expanded and redirected toward the development of self-reliant space activities in developing countries. As part of the 1994 activities of the above Programme, the Office for Outer Space Affairs of the United Nations organized from 27 June to 1 July 1994 a workshop on basic space science, in cooperation with the Government of Egypt and ESA. It was the fourth in an ongoing series of regional workshops dedicated specifically to space science in developing countries. While most activities of the Space Applications Programme focus on practical space applications, such as remote sensing, satellite communications and satellite meteorology, these workshops on space science should constitute a recognition of the importance of space research as part of the space activities that contribute to national development. The current priorities of the Programme on Space Applications therefore focus on in-depth education and assisting developing countries in establishing and strengthening indigenous capabilities in space science, technology and applications. This Workshop constituted one of the efforts of the United Nations toward those goals. Since the United Nations took an initiative in organizing annual Workshops in basic space science for developing countries in 1990, each of the workshops in India (1991), Costa Rica and Colombia (1992), Nigeria (1993) and Egypt (1994) yielded a unique set of observations and recommendations for the development of basic space science, reflecting the needs of the worldwide development of astro-
93
Basic space science and developing countries: N Jasentuliyana
nomy. Some of them concerned the availability and dissemination of scientific information; the availability and establishment of scientific facilities; and the promotion of international cooperation in basic space science through coordination of programmes/ projects, organization of meetings and symposia, encouragement of space education and establishment of a core group of international scientists. The success of this series of the workshops was highlighted by the special initiatives of Member States and space organizations to donate medium-sized astronomical research telescopes for global observation networks in Asia, to provide personal computer systems to research institutes in developing countries, to develop an inter-African astronomical observatory and science park in Namibia, to establish Internet nodes in developing countries, and to upgrade the Kottamia telescope in Egypt for regional cooperation in West Asia. It is true that the sphere of activities of the United Nations in the promotion of international cooperation in space science is determined by the
94
consensus of the Member States. Therefore, it is beyond the capability of the United Nations to take initiatives in indicating clear directions in scientific space activities for the countries in the world. However, one of the strong potentials of the United Nations is the capability to provide vital opportunities for individuals from all over the world to have faceto-face discussions to identify problems, and hopefully to find solutions. Such opportunities could well lead to practical actions by the governments of the nations, which will have significant effects on the promotion of basic space science through international cooperation. In order to have a major success and to achieve some challenging objectives, accumulation of constant efforts towards the goals, however slow the process seems to be, is essential. Through various ways and means, the United Nations continues to make efforts in enhancing further international cooperation in the field of basic space science, particularly taking into consideration the needs of developing countries.
SPACE POLICY May 1995
UTT E RWORTH E [ N E M A N
N
0265-9646(95)00003--8
Space Pc'licy 1995 11 (2) 89-94 Copyright © 1995 Elsevier Science Limitcd Printed in Grcat Britain. All rights reservcd 11265-9(-,46/95/$10.(X)
Viewpoint Basic space science and developing countries Nandasiri Jasentuliyana
Basic science - including space science - is vital for national development, but developing countries often meet obstacles to participation in the international scientific community. This can be mitigated by intemational cooperation, particularly in the field of education. The author calls for a concerted effort to increase such cooperation regionally, internationally and bilaterally; international organizations should also become involved. Various forms of cooperation are suggested and UN efforts in the promotion of basic space science are described.
Nandasiri Jasentuliyana is Director of the Office for Outer Space Affairs, the United Nations Office at Vienna, Vienna International Centre, PO Box 500, A-1400, Vienna, Austria. The views expressed are those of the author, writing in his personal capacity.
SPACE
P O L I C Y M a y 1995
Basic science is a key to the prosperity of a nation, and it is almost impossible to expect significant economic and social development without a sound educational and research base in the field of basic science. In the late 1980s, the correlation between the promotion of basic science and the increase in industrial competitiveness was frequently discussed among the decisionmakers of major industrialized nations, although the whole process toward the goal would take much time, and as a result, more emphasis was placed on the applications stage in the process of technology development. The national competency in basic science has often been used as an indicator of potential national industrial power. The result of national scholastic aptitude tests in science is considered to be one of the measures to determine the national strength in industrial activities in the future. The more the basic research articles published by scientists of a nation are cited by others in academic journals, the more the nation is considered to possess the potential to lead the technological edge, which would result in an increase in or the maintenance of industrial competitiveness, though such correlation requires careful examination.
In order for a nation to keep its competency in basic science, its scientists should be fully aware of the latest progress made in scientific research. In the competitive world of the scientist, each of whom is keen to make scientific discoveries ahead of the others, communication and active discussions with scientists from other countries are indispensable. Scientists from developing countries, however, have frequently encountered difficulties in fully participating in the international scientific community, in part due to the very limited resources at their disposal for equipment and personnel, but equally because of the difficulties of keeping in touch with the international scientific community. Access to scientific journals, pre-prints of the latest papers, participation in seminars and conferences, and telephone contacts with international colleagues have posed particular obstacles for scientists from developing countries. Recent trends toward instant dissemination of the latest results by fax and through computer networks have often put developing country scientists at an even greater disadvantage compared to their colleagues in the most developed countries. The importance of basic science for
89
Basic space science and developing countries: N Jasenluliyana
'development programmes have not given adequate attention to promoting scientific research'
the national d e v e l o p m e n t and the existence of obstacles for scientists from developing countries also apply to space activities. Especially since space is seen as the new frontier which promises further economic and social prosperity in the future for successful nations, it is essential, and attractive, for a nation to acquire an independent national capability in space research at the earliest stage.
Scientific research and national development Space research, of course, is not new. It did not begin with the space age, but goes far back into history. Indeed, people in all parts of the world have speculated about the nature and the meaning of the heavens for as long as we h a v e t r a c e s of c i v i l i z a t i o n . Theories of the cosmos and the position of humanity and the Earth within the universe have always been central e l e m e n t s of c u l t u r a l beliefs and values. The space research activities that were discussed at this W o r k s h o p are also part of an intellectual tradition which goes back many centuries and which was the starting point for the d e v e l o p m e n t of most of modern science and technology. Careful and systematic observations of the movements of the Sun, Moon and planets among the fixed stars, and the generalization of these observations into mathematical equations still serve as the classical model for scientific research. The recognition that human beings are not the centre of the universe but are part of a greater natural order represented a dramatic change in people's attitude toward the world around them. This new appreciation for the interdependence of human beings and their natural environment inspired a vast expansion of interest in, and study of, the natural environment, including other planets, stars and the universe as a whole. This expansion of the natural sciences and the attempt to gain greater understanding of our relationship to the universe is continuing today. Both nationally and internationally, the concept of economic d e v e l o p m e n t has generally focused on technology
90
and applications rather than on science and research. A n d as a result, national and international development programmes, including those of the United Nations, have not given adequate attention to promoting scientific r e s e a r c h and i n t e r n a t i o n a l cooperation in science. In the long term, scientific research is essential to the intellectual, spiritual, social and economic vitality of society at any level. O n e must not only find technical solutions to the p r o b l e m s he/she understands, but one must also find new ways of understanding his/her world and how it, and the human lives it sustains, can be improved. There are three aspects of scientific research that make it a vital element in any developing society; and the term 'developing' here is used in its proper sense, namely a society at any economic level that is working to improve the lives of its people. The first aspect of science is its cumulative nature, its c o m m i t m e n t to using past knowledge in order to gain new knowledge. While science and technology are often thought of as destroyers of tradition, science is in fact more respectful of tradition than many other areas of human culture in which old beliefs may simply be discarded in favor of new speculations. It does not mean that there are no conflicts between science and tradition, however. W h e n the international culture of modern science is introduced to a traditional society, the conflict can be quite disruptive culturally, which raises the second element of science. Science is by its nature critical. While respecting existing knowledge, science is constantly evaluating that knowledge in order to find ways to improve and extend it. For people who are dogmatically attached to existing knowledge, that critical approach can be disturbing, but it is essential to development. The third element of science is its collective or c o m m u n a l nature. Scientists cannot work alone; they must have communications with other researchers. A n d it is increasingly essential that they have access to worldwide communications. The scientific community is one of the best examples in
SPACE POLICY May 1995
Basic space science and developing countries: N Jasentuliyana
the world of international cooperation, of people working together toward a common goal of general human interest, and the struggle to maintain and expand that cooperation must be supported. The goal of an independent national capability in space research does not preclude international cooperation. On the contrary, international cooperation, formally and informally, has always been central to scientific progress; and scientific research has been a particularly good example of productive international cooperation.
Cooperation between developing and developed countries While all scientific research is based on cooperation that crosses political boundaries, international cooperation is particularly important in space research. Much space research requires access to data from complex astronomical and astrophysical observatories, including observatories in space. Many of these observatories are so expensive and so complex that they can be built only by a few countries or only by cooperating groups of countries. For most scientists in the world, including the great majority of scientists in developing countries, access to space data therefore depends on international cooperation. Cooperation in the area of space scientific research has generally been exemplary. The countries and agencies a c q u i r i n g a s t r o n o m i c a l and astrophysical data make it widely available to researchers internationally, and most scientific satellites and major ground observatories include experiments and instruments designed and built in many countries. While such international cooperation in space research has been extensive, however, there have still been many obstacles to the full participation of scientists from developing countries in space research. It is necessary for scientists from both developed and developing countries to identify the specific problems faced by scientists from developing countries in order to promote further international cooperation in space science.
SPACE POLICY May 1995
It is also important to consider some of the forms that international cooperation in space research can take. A major form of international cooperation in space science has been advanced education. Advanced education is, of course, essential to the continuing development of space science in any country, and no country can provide facilities for advanced study and research in all aspects of space science. The attendance of students from developing countries at educational institutions in developed countries serves not only to educate those particular students, but also as an i m p o r t a n t m e a n s of transferring knowledge from the developed to developing countries with the returning students. Exchanges of faculty members between institutions in developed and developing countries is also an important form of cooperation. Another form of educational cooperation between developed and developing countries, less common but perhaps more important in the long term, is assistance from developed countries and international organizations for strengthening educational institutions in developing countries so that fewer students need to go abroad for education. Assistance in the form of visiting faculty, educational equipment and materials, and financial assistance can make an important contribution to greater self-reliance in education in developing countries. Advanced education in space science must be built on more basic scientific education. Students must learn e l e m e n t a r y physics, chemistry, mathematics and astronomy at the high school and undergraduate levels before they can go on to advanced graduate studies and original research. International assistance in providing basic textbooks and other educational materials at these more elementary levels could contribute to the longterm growth of space science in developing countries. One form of international cooperation that has been receiving more recognition in recent years involves scientists who are originally from developing countries but who are now working in developed countries.
91
Basic space science and developing countries: N Jasentuliyana
'The "brain drain" from developing to developed countries needs to be addressed'
92
These international scientists, familiar through special projects. ESA has also with research conditions in both de- had major bilateral projects and progveloped and developing countries, rammes with developing countries. In addition to the efforts between represent a resource of great potential value for promoting cooperation and developed and developing countries, for transferring i n f o r m a t i o n and there are a number of international knowledge in both directions. Many of scientific organizations dedicated to them have been serving as informal promoting the exchange of informachannels of international cooperation tion between scientists working on for many years, and efforts should be space research. The major international organizamade to maintain and expand their contacts with their professional col- tion in this field is COSPAR, the Committee on Space Research, of the leagues in their country of origin. International Council of Scientific UnScientific agencies in both their native and adopted countries, as well as ions. The major activity of COSPAR is the biennial Congress which brings international organizations such as the United Nations, can support this pro- together over 1 000 scientists from all over the world to discuss the latest cess. developments in all aspects of space The so-called 'brain drain' from developing to developed countries and science. The last COSPAR Congress the resulting loss of highly skilled was held in Hamburg, Germany in human resources from the developing July 1994. Another important international countries is, of course, a serious problem that needs to be addressed. organization is the International CenEfforts need to be made to promote tre of Theoretical Physics (ICTP), in awareness among authorities and the Trieste, Italy. While the ICTP does public in developing countries of the not specialize in space science, it does importance of space science and to support theoretical work in the area. ensure that space scientists have the The United Nations Office for Outer basic resources necessary to do their Space Affairs has been actively coorwork. International efforts to ensure dinating with the Centre to expand that scientists in developing countries support of space science in developing have adequate communication links to countries. the international scientific community, adequate access to the technical literature, more opportunities to participate in international meetings, ac- Regional cooperation cess to data and data processing facili- In addition to cooperation between ties, and opportunities to participate scientists from developed and dein the planning, design and use of veloping countries, consideration space observatories can reduce the needs to be given to regional cooperafeeling of developing country scien- tion between developing countries. It tists that they have to move abroad to is perhaps the main advantage of do good scientific work. regional cooperation that scientists It is essential that both developed working under similar conditions can and developing countries consider collaborate in ways that take account what actions they might take, through of those conditions. Another benefit international, regional or bilateral of regional cooperation would be the channels. The European Space Agen- sharing of expensive and complex cy (ESA) has an extensive programme facilities, such as data processing capaof space research and cooperates with bilities, allowing scientists of the reresearchers and research institutions gion to be less dependent on dearound the world in planning and veloped countries. implementing its research programAmong developing countries in the rues. ESA has been a generous sup- Middle East, several already have porter of the United Nations Program- significant space capabilities. Several me on Space Applications, through countries in the region also have faciliWorkshops, through fellowships for ties for astronomical observation and study at European space facilities and data processing. These regional capa-
SPACE POLICY May 1995
Basic space science and developing countries: N Jasentuliyana
bilities could provide an important basis for cooperation. The sharing of facilities for advanced education is another important form of regional cooperation. Different institutions and countries will have educational facilities and expertise in different areas of specialization, and the sharing of these will broaden the opportunities open to students and researchers in all countries. Arrangements to facilitate attendance by students from other countries in institutions offering advanced education in space science, exchanges of faculty and researchers, and sharing of curricula and educational materials at both advanced and elementary levels could be valuable in promoting space science in the region. Regional scientific associations, or regional branches of international organizations, can also be useful means of promoting regional cooperation and scientific advances. For its part, the United Nations is committed to improving educational and training capabilities in space science in the developing countries. Although the activities under the United Nations in the area of space science are discussed in detail in the folowing section, it should be mentioned here that an on-going initiative in this area is the establishment of Regional Centres for Space Science and Technology Education in the developing countries. These centres will initially focus on education and training in remote sensing technology and applications in various fields of resource management and environmental monitoring. There will, of course, also be a strong basic space science component to the curriculum at each centre. Planning for the establishment of centres in each region of the United Nations economic commissions, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Carribean (ECLAC), Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), is well underway. Evaluation missions to these regions have already been conducted and follow-up activities are currently being undertaken.
SPACE POLICY May 1995
UN efforts in the promotion of basic space science The United Nations Programme on Space Applications was established in 1971 by the General Assembly in order to promote international cooperation in the use of space science and technology for social and economic development. Following the Second United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space in 1982 (UNISPACE 82), the activities of the Programme on Space Applications were expanded and redirected toward the development of self-reliant space activities in developing countries. As part of the 1994 activities of the above Programme, the Office for Outer Space Affairs of the United Nations organized from 27 June to 1 July 1994 a workshop on basic space science, in cooperation with the Government of Egypt and ESA. It was the fourth in an ongoing series of regional workshops dedicated specifically to space science in developing countries. While most activities of the Space Applications Programme focus on practical space applications, such as remote sensing, satellite communications and satellite meteorology, these workshops on space science should constitute a recognition of the importance of space research as part of the space activities that contribute to national development. The current priorities of the Programme on Space Applications therefore focus on in-depth education and assisting developing countries in establishing and strengthening indigenous capabilities in space science, technology and applications. This Workshop constituted one of the efforts of the United Nations toward those goals. Since the United Nations took an initiative in organizing annual Workshops in basic space science for developing countries in 1990, each of the workshops in India (1991), Costa Rica and Colombia (1992), Nigeria (1993) and Egypt (1994) yielded a unique set of observations and recommendations for the development of basic space science, reflecting the needs of the worldwide development of astro-
93
Basic space science and developing countries: N Jasentuliyana
nomy. Some of them concerned the availability and dissemination of scientific information; the availability and establishment of scientific facilities; and the promotion of international cooperation in basic space science through coordination of programmes/ projects, organization of meetings and symposia, encouragement of space education and establishment of a core group of international scientists. The success of this series of the workshops was highlighted by the special initiatives of Member States and space organizations to donate medium-sized astronomical research telescopes for global observation networks in Asia, to provide personal computer systems to research institutes in developing countries, to develop an inter-African astronomical observatory and science park in Namibia, to establish Internet nodes in developing countries, and to upgrade the Kottamia telescope in Egypt for regional cooperation in West Asia. It is true that the sphere of activities of the United Nations in the promotion of international cooperation in space science is determined by the
94
consensus of the Member States. Therefore, it is beyond the capability of the United Nations to take initiatives in indicating clear directions in scientific space activities for the countries in the world. However, one of the strong potentials of the United Nations is the capability to provide vital opportunities for individuals from all over the world to have faceto-face discussions to identify problems, and hopefully to find solutions. Such opportunities could well lead to practical actions by the governments of the nations, which will have significant effects on the promotion of basic space science through international cooperation. In order to have a major success and to achieve some challenging objectives, accumulation of constant efforts towards the goals, however slow the process seems to be, is essential. Through various ways and means, the United Nations continues to make efforts in enhancing further international cooperation in the field of basic space science, particularly taking into consideration the needs of developing countries.
SPACE POLICY May 1995