REPORT OF THE REGIONAL WORKING GROUP ON SPACE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS ON ITS SIXTH MEETING

Beijing, 9-11 May 2001

I. SUMMARY

A. Conclusions

The sixth meeting of the Regional Working Group on Space Science and Technology Applications (RWG/SSTA) noted with satisfaction the progress of member countries in the area of space science and technology applications. These applications had been making a strong contribution to industry development, education and capacity-building in the region. The meeting agreed to enhance regional cooperation in the conduct of projects and activities of common interest, and in the exchange of information and experience.

The meeting expressed satisfaction that ESCAP had continued to support the activities of the Regional Working Group by promoting regional cooperation and information sharing. The meeting noted the efforts of the ESCAP secretariat to implement the recommendations of the Second Ministerial Conference on Space Applications for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific.

The meeting noted the increasing efforts of countries in the region, individually, bilaterally and multilaterally, in space science and technology applications. Recent achievements and current plans were highlighted at the Second Symposium on Microsatellite Applications for Asia and the Pacific, held 7-8 May in conjunction with the meeting. In view of the interest generated by this and the previous Symposium, held in association with the fifth and sixth meetings, and the rapid pace of activity in this field, the RWG/SSTA proposed to continue this format at its seventh meeting.

The meeting acknowledged problems encountered on the continuation of activities of the Regional Working Group due to lack of project funds. It suggested that the ESCAP secretariat as well as members of the Regional Working Group explore possible funding for the implementation of the Common Denominator Projects. Possible funding mechanisms to support these activities include technical cooperation among developing countries (TCDC). Member countries were encouraged to provide support using available resources, expertise and experience from ongoing national projects, to support the implementation of the Common Denominator Projects.

The meeting agreed to strengthen regional arrangements to implement the second phase of the Regional Space Applications Programme for Sustainable Development (RESAP II), in particular by developing further the Common Denominator Project proposals relevant to the RWG/SSTA. It also agreed to initiate activities through a phased approach.

Based on discussions and reports from this meeting, the RWG/SSTA decided to review two of its task forces. Noting the similarity between the task of a regional small satellite programme and the Small Multi-mission Satellite (SMMS) project being carried out by some countries in the region, the Coordinator would correspond with the previous task force leader and suggest the task be terminated. Noting the interest of several countries in exchanging data from space science missions and collaborating in research in this field, the Coordinator, in consultation with the secretariat, would correspond with the co-leader of the task on space science information and recommend revisions to the previous task definition.

The draft proposal of China for a constellation of small satellites was noted with interest by the meeting. The proposal focused on environmental and disaster monitoring, factors of great importance to the region and to RESAP II, and suggested the constellation be established by means of regional and international cooperation. The meeting strongly supported the concept and discussed possible regional collaborative activities based on the proposed constellation. The meeting urged China to further develop the draft proposal, and to raise the proposal formally at the next meeting of the Dialogue Forum on Regional Initiatives for Space Cooperation in Asia and the Pacific, in Kuala Lumpur on 24-26 July 2001. In the meantime, members who wished to discuss the proposal further were encouraged to register their interest with the China National Space Administration.

In view of the difficulties experienced by several members in arranging suitable launches for their small satellite missions, the meeting noted with interest news of new launch vehicle and launch services in the region, designed to cater for the small satellite, low-cost market.

The meeting noted with great appreciation the offer made by the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to consider hosting the next meeting of the Regional Working Group on Space Science and Technology Applications in 2002, subject to confirmation by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The Working Group decided to design a template for final reports of completed projects, to ensure that the lessons learnt can be documented. After reviewing current projects of the Regional Working Group, a work plan was developed for the coming year, based on the priorities assigned to the outstanding and new projects.

top

B. Recommendations

The meeting noted problems in coordinating activities among national contact points and in soliciting their active participation in the Regional Working Group activities. In order to enable the Coordinator and Coordination Office to implement the recommendations on activities of RWG/SSTA, the national contact points were strongly encouraged to regularly correspond and participate in the meetings of RWG/SSTA and be able to make appropriate decisions on relevant matters in a timely manner.

Acknowledging the importance of information exchange among the Regional Working Group members and the need to disseminate information about the activities of the Regional Working Group, the meeting recommended that the Coordination Office establish a home page and update it regularly with information on relevant national programmes. It further recommended that the Regional Working Group home page provide appropriate links to web sites of national agencies involved in space science and technology applications. The Coordination Office should also set up a bulletin board for easier and more frequent exchange of information on topics relevant to the Regional Working Group.

The Regional Working Group would provide regular information on their regional activities for the Environment and Natural Resources Development News of ESCAP.

top

II. PROCEEDINGS

A. Organization of the meeting

The sixth meeting of the Regional Working Group on Space Science and Technology Applications was jointly organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Centre for Space Science and Applied Research (CSSAR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It was hosted by CSSAR and held at the Beijing Song He Hotel from 9 to 11 May 2001.

B. Attendance

The meeting was attended by 24 participants from the following member countries: Australia, Azerbaijan, China, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam; and by five observers from China, Germany, Hong Kong, China and the United Kingdom Of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Two representatives of the ESCAP secretariat serviced the meeting.

C. Opening

The meeting was opened on 9 May 2001. The Executive Secretary of ESCAP, in his message delivered by a representative of the Space Technology Applications Section, Environment and Natural Resources Development Division, highlighted the role of the United Nations system in preserving space as the common heritage of humanity. He quoted United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan who, in commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the flight of Yuri Gagarin, emphasized the importance of ensuring that developing countries benefited equitably from space technology applications.

The Executive Secretary remarked upon the variety of spin-offs resulting from space technologies, including freeze-dried foods, medical techniques and industrial insulation. He also observed that scientists and engineers who learnt from the challenging environment of space were often able to apply their experience in other areas of the economy. He pointed to the cross-fertilization of methods and ideas between space industry and other forms of advanced manufacture. This had resulted in improved efficiencies in space engineering and had allowed growing participation in space projects by developing countries and small economies.

Applications of small-scale space activities, particularly in an atmosphere of regional cooperation and experience sharing, had a potentially strong impact on quality of life, economic stimulus and environmental custodianship. The Executive Secretary asked Regional Working Group members to apply the philosophy of continual improvement in order to optimize the Group’s function for the benefit of all the people in the region

In a welcoming address, Vice Minister for Science and Technology Ma Songde spoke on behalf of the Government of China. He referred to the first Ministerial Conference on Space Applications for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific, held in Beijing in 1994, as the starting point for many recent space activities in the region. Since that time, space technology had become part of the daily lives of many people. Space was the common heritage of humanity, and space applications had the potential to make a great contribution to all peoples’ welfare and safety. ESCAP’s support for space technology applications was gratefully acknowledged.

Vice Minister Ma expressed the wish that as a result of this meeting, China would experience an even higher degree of cooperation with other countries of the region, and hoped that participants would enjoy the hospitality and sights of Beijing.

top

D. Election of officers

The meeting elected the following persons as members of its Bureau:

E. Adoption of the agenda

The Regional Working Group adopted the following agenda:

1. Opening of the meeting.
2. Election of officers.
3. Adoption of the agenda.
4. Report of the Coordination Office.
5. Reports of the leaders of task forces/study teams of the Regional Working Group:
(a) Investigation of infra-red technologies for fire detection;
(b) Preliminary study of feasibility of developing educational resources suitable for use with low-cost ground stations;
(c) Low-cost infrastructure for high-speed Internet access in rural areas;
(d) Sharing of space science data from space missions and ground networks;
(e) Electronic media for exchange of information on space sciences and technologies;
(f) Investigation of the long-term possibility for a joint regional small satellite programme.
6. Progress in the implementation of the Strategy and Action Plan on space applications for sustainable development:
(a) Report of the ESCAP secretariat;
(b) Country reports of the national contact points.
7. State-of-the-art space science and technology applications.
8. Substantive proposals on project activities for regional cooperation in space science and technology applications:
(a) Chinese proposal for disaster and environmental monitoring satellite constellation;
(b) Other proposals.
9. Tentative work plan for 2001-2002.
10. Venue and provisional agenda of the seventh meeting of the Regional Working Group.
11. Other matters.
12. Adoption of the report.

top

F. Report of the Coordination Office

The Coordination Office, hosted by the Cooperative Research Centre for Satellite Systems of Australia, reported on RWG/SSTA activities since its last meeting. The Government of Australia had confirmed the appointment of the Coordinator for the RWG/SSTA for the period 2000-2002. The three task forces / study teams formed at the fifth meeting had commenced their work, while those earlier task forces whose work had not been completed had commenced to review their outstanding tasks.

The RWG/SSTA continued to encourage and support regional cooperation activities. As tasks were completed or lapsed due to lack of resources, the Regional Working Group reviewed its work plan and considered new tasks in order of priority. As well as carrying out formal tasks and studies, the RWG members also indirectly influenced regional space activities through advocacy in their respective constituencies.

The RWG had arranged two highly successful international symposia on microsatellite applications. These had generated wide interest and increased the momentum of regional activities in space applications for sustainable development.

The RWG suggested that a final report in a standard format be completed for each finished task. The Coordination Office would choose the report format and advise members accordingly.

G. Report of the leaders of the task forces / study teams of the Regional Working Group

1. Investigation of infra-red technology for fire detection

Preliminary technical specifications had been articulated following an analysis of the fire and haze problem, which was especially acute in the South-East Asian sub-region. Two private companies – Auspace (Australia) and SIRA Electro-optics (United Kingdom) – had contributed, and had proposed two separate solutions. The putative platform was the X-SAT project of Singapore, with a proposed launch date of 2004 or 2005.

The Auspace proposal would utilize an 8-band multispectral detector, while the SIRA solution would use a hyperspectral approach. While the latter could also be used for ocean monitoring and was based on an existing payload for the PROBA mission, it did not cover the short wave infra-red region. A decision on the choice of imaging package was expected by September 2001.

Other aspects of the project had also advanced, with the X-band transmitter, data transmission protocol and mass memory disk already designed or selected. Structural designs had been simulated for both optic packages.

top

2. Preliminary study of feasibility of developing educational resources suitable for use with low-cost ground stations

The RWG noted synergies with the RWG/SatCom project on community teleservice centres and recommended close liaison between these activities. This could be achieved by consideration of both activities at the Intergovernmental Consultative Committee.

The study had confirmed the feasibility and desirability of generating educational resources comprising case studies of development applications of microsatellite satellite missions. The next steps were drafting a project profile, adding curricula development specialists to the project team, and seeking donors from the international development assistance community. The project team would endeavour to carry out these activities over the next year.

3. Low-cost infrastructure for high-speed Internet access in rural areas

The intention was to study the technical feasibility and possible applications of low-cost infrastructure for high-speed Internet access in rural areas. The study approach was based upon the use of the multimedia capabilities of third-generation mobile communications. The Republic of Korea and China led the study, in which Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand also participated.

The existing investment in global mobile satellite communications amounted to several billion US dollars. So the user charges to recover this investment were very high, especially for developing countries or for non-commercial users. There was therefore a challenge to investigate lower-cost approaches suitable for developing countries.

Preliminary studies indicated that a constellation of four microsatellites in highly elliptical medium altitude orbit could provide mobile multimedia services at considerably reduced cost. The Australian representative noted similar results arising from their own study and a full exchange of information would benefit all parties.

Early study results were encouraging and the task force members were continuing to seek industry participation and government support. The task force co-led by China and the Republic of Korea would continue for another year.

4. Sharing space science data from space missions and ground networks

No report was received from the current task force leader. The Coordination Office would consult with the secretariat before again contacting Indonesia to ascertain the project’s status and work plan. China reconfirmed its interest in co-leading the project with an emphasis for joint research on "space weather", utilizing existing data from the various space science missions carried out by countries in the region. Australia and the Republic of Korea also expressed interest in joining the task force.

top

5. Electronic media for exchange of information on space science and technologies

Thailand reported that Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore and Viet Nam were participating countries. The task was to disseminate topical information about space technology developments. Various media had been considered. Thailand, as the task force leader, decided to conduct a comprehensive patent search. Three thousand patent records relating to space technology had been reviewed and summarized, and the results summarized in CD form. The draft version was reviewed to consider its utility, and recommendations from this review were incorporated in the final version, which would be forwarded soon to the secretariat for distribution to members.

The purposes of this project were to disseminate knowledge about existing technology, promote observance of intellectual property rights, and lead to further innovation and technical progress.

As the task was now complete, the RWG/SSTA congratulated Thailand and the other participating countries on its achievement and agreed to remove the activity from the future work plan. A final report would be prepared according to the format to be prepared by the Coordination Office.

6. Investigation of the long-term possibility for a joint regional small satellite programme

The RWG/SSTA noted with interest the progress of the Small Multi-mission Satellite programme and observed that its goals were very similar to those of the task force. It proposed that the Coordination Office, in conjunction with the secretariat, correspond with the task force leader and suggest that this task was redundant and should be removed from the work plan.

top

H. Progress in the implementation of the Strategy and Action Plan on space applications for sustainable development

1. Regional report by ESCAP

The ESCAP secretariat presented a report highlighting the main activities and achievements attained at the regional level in the past year. Four foci of ESCAP attention were emphasized, namely poverty alleviation, ameliorating the negative impacts of globalization upon developing countries, tackling emerging socio-economic problems in the region, and bridging the digital divide. The meeting was reminded of the vision of the Regional Space Applications Programme for Sustainable Development – contributing to the region’s sustainable development and improved quality of life through the use of space-based information and communication technologies.

The Strategy and Action Plan endorsed by the Second Ministerial Conference on Space Technology Applications for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific had recommended a Minimum Common Programme (MCP) comprising projects of wide interest that addressed identified priority areas. Following "brainstorming" and Expert Group meetings convened by the secretariat in March 2000, fourteen Common Denominator Projects and three joint research topics were drafted and reviewed by the four Regional Working Groups in the period April-June. The Intergovernmental Consultative Committee (ICC) endorsed the revised project profiles in July 2000, with the recommendation that they be further developed by the secretariat and the relevant Regional Working Group(s).

Notable additions to the regional information service in space technology applications took place during the year. From 2001, the Newsletter would be absorbed into a new ESCAP quarterly publication, Environment and Natural Resources Development News.

Notable training and education activities included nine long-term postgraduate fellowships in remote sensing and GIS, in India; twenty medium-term fellowships in remote sensing and GIS for land and coastal zone management, in Indonesia; and eight short-term fellowships in space technology and GIS applications, in China. In conjunction with the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs, a training course on space technology applications was organized by China and supported by ESCAP.

Regional seminars were conducted with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, the Remote Sensing Technology Centre (RESTEC) of Japan, and the Asian Institute of Technology, on ADEOS-II Satellite Data Utilization and on ocean colour remote sensing.

top

2. Country reports by the national contact points

The meeting noted with satisfaction that considerable progress had been attained at the national level, as summarized below by the national contact points or representatives of participating countries.

Australia

Notable activities over the last year included further collaboration with Singapore and the Republic of Korea in relation to flying the ADAM (Advanced Data Acquisition and Messaging) communications sub-system from FedSat on the satellite missions of those countries. Collaborative communications experiments with Japan had also taken place. Discussion on plans to develop an Australian-based launch service continued.

Payload and platform development for the FedSat experimental science and technology satellite mission was continuing. Some novel technologies, including high-performance computing, frequency-domain Ka-band tracking, and precise orbit calculation, promised to find subsequent use on later generations of spacecraft. FedSat’s launch was currently scheduled to take place from Japan in early 2002

Azerbaijan

Significant problems existed with the degradation of the natural environment and in ensuring social and economic progress. Efforts to harness space technology applications for those purposes were continuing, although resources for those efforts were inevitably limited in scope. The national space programme was endorsed by the government and was carried out by the Azerbaijan National Aerospace Agency.

Important mapping projects had been completed in mineral surveying and disaster management planning. Some of these had been conducted jointly with the private sector.

Changes in land use and land area had been determined using airborne mapping, especially in the Caspian Sea area, and further projects were being developed in conjunction with the Food and Agriculture Organization.

top

China

Under the framework of the White Paper released in November 2000, space technology applications advanced further. The geospace Double Star Project should contribute to global studies of the near-Earth environment, from December 2002 onwards. This mission would incorporate two small satellites of about 270 kg each, both in highly elliptical orbits with one in the polar plane and the other in the equatorial plane. The human space flight project SZ-2 programme enjoyed a successful preliminary (uncrewed) flight starting 10 January 2001, with capsule recovery over land in Inner Mongolia on 16 January 2001. Many scientific tests were incorporated in the programme.

The FY-1C low Earth orbit meteorological satellite had reached the end of its two-year design life but continued in operation. The FY-2B geostationary meteorological satellite launched last year continued in operation but the data transmitting system was experiencing abnormally low temperatures. Investigation of the problem was continuing.

Various types of future microwave imaging sensors and techniques were under continuing investigation, for example, an imaging radiometer in C band, for soil moisture determination. Expected resolution for the passive system at 800 km operating altitude was on the order of 10 km.

Islamic Republic of Iran

Various organizations were involved in space science and applications. These included the Iranian Remote Sensing Centre, Iranian Telecommunication Research Centre, Iranian Research Organization on Science and Technology, and many universities. Most emphasis was on education and space technology research and development.

The Iranian Remote Sensing Centre was generating digital elevation models of the country at 1:125,000 and 1:25,000 scale. It was also carrying out change mapping around the Caspian Sea and geothermal mapping of the eastern part of the country.

Preliminary notification on the Merbah microsatellite had been forwarded to the International Telecommunication Union. The Zohreh geostationary satellite project was in the final phase of selecting the contractor.

Japan

The Mission Demonstration Satellite (MDS) project was now under way, as well as several other missions. Four engineering-related satellite launches were planned over the next three years. Emphasis on launcher development was to make the H-IIA vehicle ready to enter service. One MDS mission had been cancelled in order to concentrate more resources on this task.

The Space Activities Commission (SAC) determined the national space programme. The programme covered several fields, including technology demonstration, communications, Earth observation and space science.

The MDS mission was designed to verify performance of commercially available components in the space environment, in order to reduce technological risks associated with future missions. Announcements of opportunity for foreign participation had been periodically released since 1998. To date, 10 proposals had been selected from 58 submitted.

top

Malaysia

The Government of Malaysia had identified space technology as a new area of growing economic potential. Remote sensing applications had been highly developed for some time, and space science and technology had advanced recently. Communications applications had been developing since the launches of MEASAT-1 and MEASAT-2 in 1996.

Malaysia’s first microsatellite, Tiungsat-1, was launched successfully on the Dnepr vehicle on 25 August 2000. Its payload included a digital store-and-forward communications system, digital signal processing communication experiment, global positioning system, and wide- and narrow- angle Earth imaging systems.

The mission returned significant science data. In view of the great potential and affordability of small satellites, Malaysia was committed to continue research, development and applications of this technology. A second microsatellite project had commenced under the coordination of the company Astronautic Technology Sdn. Bhd.

In the course of the Tiungsat project, the scarcity and relative expense of launch services suitable for small satellites was noted. This issue had to be addressed in order to ensure that small satellite projects retained their unique attributes.

Space science was a compulsory subject in the 6th and 9th years of school. The National Planetarium conducted training courses for teachers in this field.

The government had recently approved the merger of the Malaysian Centre for Remote Sensing and the Space Science Studies Division, both within the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment, to form a National Space Agency. A council chaired by the Prime Minister would guide the new agency.

Pakistan

Building upon the programmes of its national space organization, SUPARCO, since 1961, space technologies and applications continued to grow. Badr-B, the second national microsatellite, was expected to be launched by Russia in July 2001. Human resource development was a high priority and various approaches were being employed to this end, including the establishment of a Space Sciences Institute. Pakistan was also pursuing an extensive portfolio of international cooperation, through participation with international organizations such as the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), ESCAP, the Asia-Pacific Multilateral Cooperation in Space Technology and Applications (AP-MCSTA), and many individual space agencies.

The national space programme was wide ranging, including facilities and infrastructure, small satellite projects, remote sensing, search and rescue, and upper atmospheric and space science research.

Pakistan was a participant in the Small Multi-mission Satellite project, jointly with China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea, and Thailand. The launch was planned for 2003.

Republic of Korea

Regional cooperation was an important component of recent space activities, including the successful launch of KITSAT-3 on the PLSV vehicle of India, and work with Australia on the flight of the ADAM payload on KAISTSAT-4, which was scheduled to be launched around 2002 after the launch vehicle was selected. A Memorandum of Understanding for this cooperation was signed in October 2000, and signified realization of the Simple Common Payload concept developed by the RWG/SSTA.

The long-term space plan was recently revised and confirmed by the government. Under this plan, the Republic of Korea intended to become one of the world’s ten most active spacefaring countries by 2015.

top

Russian Federation

The main fields of activity as described in the current Federal Space Plan were telecommunications, remote sensing, space science, technology development, and the International Space Station.

Several new launch vehicles were under development, including the Angara with 24-tonne capacity, the Proton-M with 22 tonnes, and the Strela and Dnepr-M vehicles. The last two were designed for the small satellite market. The meeting welcomed this development, in view of the difficulties experienced by several participants in arranging affordable launches when required for their respective small satellite missions.

Singapore

In April 1999 UoSAT-12 was launched successfully, and it carried the MERLION payload developed in Singapore. The next stages of the national space plan would focus on the X-SAT microsatellite mission. The original intention of flying a simple visible band sensor was being re-considered to extend imaging capabilities to the infra-red, for forest fire detection and observation of the ocean environment.

Additional funding for the project was being sought from government sources (the project was supported by University resources to date). Overseas test facilities were likely to be required in the final phase of the project.

Thailand

Five major developments were the new space organization, distance education, the new microsatellite, drafting the new national space policy, and intergovernmental cooperation on a regional small satellite project.

The Geo-informatic and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) was formed in 2000 by the merging of the Thailand Remote Sensing Centre and the GIS section of the Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment. The objectives of the new organization were to derive benefits to the community through applications of geo-informatics and space technology, to carry out related research, to provide services and to promote standards.

The Distance Learning Foundation was established in 1996. It operated 24 hours a day, supplying radio and television services for secondary schools, vocational colleges and institutes of higher education. The broadcasts were employed as far as Hanoi. The education programmes were also distributed through six cable television channels of the United Broadcasting Corporation. The Foundation cooperated with Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, which operated the first distance education university programme in Asia. This service used interactive communication and had the objective of equal opportunity at all educational levels. The Foundation promoted satellite-based distance education by holding training courses for radio and television personnel – both educational specialists and technicians – from Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar and Viet Nam.

The Thaipat-2 microsatellite built on the experience of Thaipat-1, a joint venture between Mahanakorn University of Technology and Surrey Space Technology, Ltd. This would be the first Thai-made satellite, and the project was expected to contribute to national capacity-building and human resources development. Launch was planned for 2002, with payloads for communication (wideband CDMA, prototyping third-generation mobile services) and Earth observation (multi-spectral CCD camera with 30-m resolution). The project was also intended – pending further discussion – to form part of an international satellite constellation for disaster management support. Other countries likely to participate were Algeria, Nigeria, China, and the United Kingdom.

On 3 April the government approved appointment of a 22-member Space Development Committee under the Ministry of Communication and Transport. Its role was to promote space technology and rocketry. A draft national space policy for the next 10-year period had been prepared and should be considered by the cabinet soon.

Thailand was designing the Ka-band communications module for the SMMS regional project of the Asia-Pacific Multilateral Cooperation on Space Technology Applications. The final proposal on project design, cost-sharing, and operational procedures was to be discussed in Beijing on 11-13 May 2001.

top

Viet Nam

Remote sensing, satellite meteorology, and satellite telecommunications were among the more common current space technology applications, whose objectives were socio-economic development of the country. The Institute of Physics of the National Centre for Natural Science and Technology had designed low-cost NOAA Automatic Picture Transmission, GMS Weather Facsimile, and GMS/FY-2 VISSR receiving stations, and these were in use in many parts of the country. Several national space technology and application projects were under consideration, including a national telecommunication satellite, a remote sensing satellite ground station and a small satellite project.

I. State of the art in space science and technology

The Second Symposium on Microsatellite Applications in Asia and the Pacific was organized by the RWG/SSTA and held in Beijing 7-8 May. The Symposium was co-sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the China National Space Administration, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tsinghua University, and the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs.

The Symposium programme comprised the following themes: invited overview presentations, satellite and launch systems, applications, platform technologies, and payload technologies. Thirty papers were presented, and 56 participants from 10 countries took part.

The Symposium demonstrated the vigour of microsatellite technology and applications in the region and globally. It highlighted the versatility of small satellite technology in assisting sustainable development, being both affordable and highly capable.

Significant technical progress was reported in several areas since the first Symposium a year ago in Canberra. Some of the current or recent small satellite projects discussed included Hangtian Tsinghua-1 (launched successfully since the previous meeting), FedSat, Double Star, Medis, KAISTSAT-4, X-SAT, and SMMS.

Experiences in the difficult areas of human resource management, budgeting, and business development were exchanged, as well as information on technical developments. In particular, emerging trends in nano- and pico-satellites were examined, highlighting issues such as space debris and frequency management. Some of the other technology areas covered related to microsatellite sub-systems such as reaction wheels, data collection and transmission systems, thermal and attitude control and optics, and high-performance computing exploiting reconfigurable logic in order to carry out robust onboard processing for autonomous navigation and data reduction.

Various forms of satellite constellations and orbits were considered, with intersatellite links and elliptical orbits recognized as methods for reducing the number of satellites needed for an effective system. The enhanced technical problems in moving below 2 m resolution in optical sensing were debated. Participants found the exchange of information and ideas highly valuable for their mission and project planning.

top

J. Substantive proposals on project activities for regional cooperation in space science and technology applications

1. Chinese proposal for a disaster and environmental monitoring satellite constellation

In a session held jointly with the Symposium on Environment and Disaster Monitoring Satellite Constellation organized by the China National Space Administration, China presented a draft proposal for a multi-national system of compatible small satellites. After outlining the typical technical specifications for the space and ground segments of this system, the meeting discussed possible modes of regional and global cooperation. These included participation as a spacecraft provider; as a payload or sub-system provider; as a data purchaser; donor/cash contributor, or user.

The draft proposal featured eight satellites – four carrying optical instruments and four carrying synthetic aperture radar (SAR). China proposed to complete by approximately 2005 two optical satellites and one radar satellite as its national project, comprising the "baseline" of this constellation. China encouraged international participation, particularly to support the other five satellites of the completed constellation. Conditions of participation were flexible.

In the draft proposal, several forms of international participation were considered: (a) providing at least one satellite, (b) providing instruments for one or more satellites, (c) purchasing data or (d) contributing cash.

The Regional Working Group agreed that natural and human-induced disasters caused serious economic loss and risk to life in the region, and applauded the Chinese initiative in highlighting this situation. The RWG suggested that the draft proposal would be strengthened if it addressed the relative costs and benefits of this approach, perhaps on a country-by-country basis, showing how the suggested constellation would represent effective use of disaster-management funds. The RWG also suggested that further development of the proposal focused on the specific requirements of the international community of emergency management organizations. Finally, the RWG noted that least developed countries had special needs in relation to disaster management support, but were not well equipped to contribute materially to the costs of establishing the proposed system.

Under the Regional Space Applications Programme, a Dialogue Forum had been created to seek the most effective methods of regional cooperation in this field. The meeting suggested that a revised proposal be presented formally by China to this forum (meeting next in Kuala Lumpur on 24-26 July 2001), taking into consideration the suggestions of the RWG/SSTA. In the meantime, those countries interested in further discussions on the proposal were encouraged to communicate directly with the China National Space Administration.

2. Other proposals

China also presented a proposal for regional cooperation in environment and natural resources management using remote sensing. The cooperative activities suggested included information exchange, education and training, and joint pilot projects. The meeting encouraged these positive proposals and welcomed China’s support for joint activities in remote sensing applications. Participants suggested that more detailed proposals be presented by China for deliberation by the Regional Working Group on Remote Sensing, GIS and Satellite-based Positioning.

top

K. Tentative work plan for 2001-2002

The tentative work plan for 2001, which had been approved by ICC at its sixth session in Tehran in July 2000, and the proposed work plan for 2002 were presented to the Regional Working Group. The meeting was invited to include additional activities, and in view of the past success of the concept, and the rapidly evolving situation, it decided to organize the third Symposium on Microsatellite Applications for Asia and the Pacific, ideally back to back with the next meeting of the Regional Working Group. It proposed that a technical committee comprising representatives of the host, the secretariat, the two previous organizers and other interested parties should be set up to organize the next symposium. This committee would determine matters, including the programme.

L. Venue and provisional agenda of the seventh meeting of the Regional Working Group

The meeting appreciated the offer of the Islamic Republic of Iran to hold the seventh meeting of the Regional Working Group on Space Science and Technology Applications, subject to confirmation by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The provisional agenda of the seventh meeting should focus on the implementation of substantive project activities. More time should be devoted to considering the outcomes of the Symposium. Further details of the provisional agenda would be worked out by the secretariat in consultation with the host and Coordinator.

M. Other matters

No other matters were raised.

N. Adoption of the report

The report was adopted on 11 May 2001. Before the meeting closed, the participants thanked the Centre for Space Science and Applied Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences for its gracious hosting of the meeting. The meeting also thanked the other sponsors – Ministry of Science and Technology, China National Space Administration, Tsinghua University and the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs – and thanked ESCAP for its continuing role in promoting regional cooperation in space applications for sustainable development.

top

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

AUSTRALIA

Mr Brian J. Embleton, Executive Director, Cooperative Research Centre for Satellite Systems (CRCSS), GPO Box 1483, Canberra 2601. Fax: (61-2) 6216-7272, tel.: (61-2) 6216-7280, email: brian.embleton@crcss.csiro.au

Prof. Steve Seumahu, Research Professor of Telecommunications, Cooperative Research Centre for Satellite Systems, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Boulevard, Mawson Lakes, South Australia 5095. Fax: (61-8) 830-23873, tel.: (61-8) 830-25223, email: steve.seumahu@unisa.edu.au

Mr Anwar Dawood, Principal Research Scientist, Cooperative Research Centre for Satellite Systems, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George St., Brisbane Qld 4001. Fax: (61-7) 3864-1517, tel.: (61-7) 3864-1436, email: a.dawood@qut.edu.au

AZERBAIJAN

Mr Rustam B. Rustamov, Deputy Director General, Azerbaijan National Aerospace Agency, 159 Azadliq pr., 370106, Baku. Fax: (994-12) 62-17-38, tel.: (994-12) 62-93-00, email: rrustam@independ.baku.az

CHINA

Ms Zheng Lizhong, Deputy Director General, National Remote Sensing Centre of China, Ministry of Science and Technology, 15B Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100086. Fax: (86-10) 6851-2082, tel.: (86-10) 6851-2082, email: zhenglz@mail.most.gov.cn

Mr Wu Ji, Deputy Director, Centre for Space Science and Applied Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 Nan'ertiao Zhongguancun, P.O. Box 8701, Beijing 100080 Fax: (86-10) 6257-6921, tel.: (86-10) 6258-2760, 6258-0947, email: wuji@center.cssar.ac.cn

Prof. Wang Chao, Deputy Director, Institute of Remote Sensing Applications, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 9718, Beijing 100101. Fax: (86-10) 6488-9570, tel.: (86-10) 6488-9546, email: cwang@public.bta.net.cn

Prof. Liu Dingsheng, Deputy Director, China Remote Sensing Satellite Ground Stations, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2434, Beijing 100086. Fax: (86-10) 6256-1215 tel.: (86-10) 6265-2103, email: dsliu@ne.rsgs.ac.cn

ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN

Prof. Mohammad Hakkak, Senior Adviser, Iran Telecom Research Centre, P.O. Box 14155-3961, Tehran 14399. Fax: (98-21) 800-9930, tel.: (98-21) 800-9865, email: m.hakkak@itrc.ac.ir

Prof. Ahad Tavakoli, Chair, Iranian Remote Sensing Centre, #22 14th Street, Saadat Abad, Tehran 19816. Fax: (98-21) 206-4474, tel.: (98-21) 206-4471, email: tavakoli@cic.aku.ac.ir

JAPAN

Mr Toru Ohue, Associate Senior Engineer, Satellite Mission Research Centre, National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA), 4-1 Hamamatsu-cho, 2 Chome Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8060. Fax: (81-3) 5402-6517, tel.: (81-3) 3438-6264, email: ohue.toru@nasda.go.jp

MALAYSIA

Mr Jaafar Ahmad, Acting Director General, Space Science Studies Division, Ministry of Science Technology and Environment, National Planetarium, Lot 53, Jalan Perdana, Kuala Lumpur 50480. Fax: (60-3) 2697-3350, tel.: (60-3) 2696-6803, email: jaafar@macres.gov.my

PAKISTAN

Mr Abdul Ghafoor, Member (Space Research), Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), SR Wing, P.O. Box 8402, off University Road, Karachi 75270. Fax: (92-21) 814-4928, tel.: (92-21) 814-4967, email: suparco@digicom.net.pk

Mr Khalid Bashir, Director, Information Technology Division, Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), P.O. Box 8402, off University Road, Karachi 75270. Fax: (92-21) 814-4928, tel.: (92-21) 814-4967, email: suparco@digicom.net.pk

top

REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Prof. Dong-Jo Park, Director, Satellite Technology Research Centre, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 373-1 Kusong-dong, Yusong-gu, Taejon 305-701. Fax: (82-42) 861-0064, tel.: (82-42) 869-8603, email: djpark@ee.kaist.ac.kr

Mr Zeen Chul Kim, Director, Satellite R and D Division, Korea Aerospace Research Institute, P.O. Box 113, Yusung, Taejon 305-600. Fax: (82-42) 860-2007, tel.: (82-42) 860-2440, email zckim@viva.kari.re.kr

RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Mr Alexander M Rodin, Second Secretary, Embassy of the Russian Federation, Dongzhimennei Beizhongjie, 4, Beijing 100600. Fax: (86-10) 6532-4851, tel.: (86-10) 6532-2051, email: rusemb@public3.bta.net.cn

SINGAPORE

Mr Tan Soon Hie, Associate Professor, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Director, Satellite Engineering Centre, Nanyang Technological University, Block S2, Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798. Fax: (65) 792-0415, tel.: (65) 790-5390, email: eshtan@ntu.edu.sg

Mr Chua Tai Wei, Assistant Professor, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Block S2, Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798. Fax: (65) 792-0415, tel.: (65) 790-6859, email: etwchua@ntu.edu.sg

Mr K. Arichandran, Associate Professor, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Block S1, Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798. Fax: (65) 791-2687, tel.: (65) 790-5030, email: ekari@ntu.edu.sg

THAILAND

Mr Suthi Aksornkitti, Member, Board of Directors, Civil Aviation Training Centre, 1032/355 Phahonyothin Road, Bangkok 10900. Fax: (66) 02272-5288, tel.: (66) 02272-5741-4, email: suthi@dltv.th.org

Ms Navanit Aphicholati, Senior Scientist, Geo-informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, 196 Phahonyothin Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900. Fax: (66) 02561-3035, tel.: (66) 02940-5662, email: navanit@gistda.or.th

VIET NAM

Mr Bui Doan Trong, Deputy Director, Institute of Physics, National Centre for Natural Science and Technology (NCST), Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi. Fax: (84-4) 756-4483, tel.: (84-4) 756-2942, email: bdtrong@netnam.org.vn

Mr Lam Dao Nguyen, Head of Information and Remote Sensing Division, Ho Chi Minh City Institute of Physics, National Centre for Natural Sciences and Technology, 1 Mac Dinh Chi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Fax: (84-8) 823-4133, tel.: (84-8) 823-4915, email: vientham@hcm.vnn.vn

OBSERVERS

Mr Luo Dongfeng, National Satellite Meteorology Centre, China Meteorological Administration. Email: wsk@rays.cma.gov.cn

Mr Zhao Wei, Institute of Satellite Information Engineering, Chinese Academy of Space Technology, No. 61 Zhichuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing. Fax: (86-10) 6837-9512, tel.: (86-10) 6837-8242, email: llz@apple.cast.ac.cn

Mr Cristian Bank, Project Manager MEDIS (SI), Astrium GmbH; Space Infrastructure Division Department IO 45, P.O. Box 286156, D-28361 Bremen; Germany. Fax: (49-421) 539-5732, tel.: (49-421) 539-5087, email: cristian.bank@astrium-space.com

Mr Lin Hui, Director, Joint Laboratory for Geoinformation Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Chinese Academy of Science, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong. Fax: (85-2) 2603-7470, tel.: (85-2) 2609-6010, email: huilin@cuhk.edu.hk

Prof. Martin Sweeting, Director, Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH. Fax: (44-1) 1483-879-503, tel.: (44-1) 1483-879-888, email: M.Sweeting@ee.surrey.ac.uk

SECRETARIAT

Mr Wu Guoxiang, Chief, Space Technology Applications Section, Environment and Natural Resources Development Division, ESCAP Secretariat, United Nations Building, Rajadamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok 10200. Tel.: (66) 02288-1458, fax: (66) 02288-3012, email: wu.unescap@un.org

Mr Jeff Kingwell, Expert on Space Applications, Space Technology Applications Section, Environment and Natural Resources Development Division, ESCAP Secretariat, United Nations Building, Rajadamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok 10200. Tel.: (66) 02288-1457, fax: (66) 02288-3012, email: kingwell.unescap@un.org