F. Report of the Coordination
Office
20. The meeting was informed that the Government of China
had approved the Centre for Space Science and Applied
Research (CSSAR), Chinese Academy of Sciences, to host
the Coordination Office of the RWG, and appointed Mr Wu
Ji, Executive Director of CSSAR as the Coordinator for
the RWG. The Coordination Office had initiated its work,
and had recently established a home page for the RWG at http://www.cssar.ac.cn/ssta/ssta.htm, which could be used by the national contact points
as their own information publication board.
21. The Coordinator informed the meeting on the recent
major events relevant to the RWG: (a) Malaysia had established
a new National Space Agency, and (b) China, the Islamic
Republic of Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Thailand and other
countries were preparing the kick-off for the Asia-Pacific
Space Cooperation Organization; interested countries included
several South American countries, such as Chile and Argentina.
22. The Coordinator suggested that after eight years
of activities of the RWG/SSTA, there was a need to conduct
a survey to gather relative information on the region's
space activities, and to study how the member countries
could better benefit from the Regional Working Group.
Its suggested scope might cover (a) investigation of the
common interests for space science and technology cooperation
in the region, (b) investigation of what is the best mechanism
to promote the common interests, and (c) the responsibility
of the Working Group under the above interests. The meeting
agreed to conduct the survey, and suggested that an appropriate
questionnaire be developed through consultation with the
members of the RWG, and the progress or the results of
the survey, when available, should be reported to the
next meeting of the RWG. G. Reports of the leaders of
the task forces/study teams of the Regional Working Group
1. Sharing of space science data from space missions and
ground networks.
23. Because of the absence of the leaders of the two
task forces on (a) "Investigation of infrared technology
for fire detection" and (b) "Preliminary study of feasibility
of developing educational resources suitable for use with
low-cost ground stations", the meeting headed the report
of the task force on "Sharing of space science data from
space missions and ground network", made by the co-chair
of the task force, China.
24. The meeting was informed that, in cooperation with
the European Space Agency (ESA), China was going to launch
two satellites under the so-called Double-Star Project
(DSP) to probe and predict geospace storms. The third
level of its data would be accessible free of charge,
and interested potential users could contact the principle
investigators of relevant experiments for cooperation
opportunities.
25. The participants from Viet Nam informed the meeting
that Viet Nam had established cooperation with some international
organizations, such as the Asian Institute of Technology
and the Joint Research Centre of ESA, and through them
accessed some data and products of MODIS and NOAA. He
suggested the task force provide more information on available
scientific and technical data, products and services for
both scientific and application purposes.
H. Report on progress in the implementation
of the Regional Strategy and Action Plan on space science
and technology applications
1. Regional report by ESCAP secretariat.
26. The ESCAP secretariat presented a report highlighting
the main activities and achievements attained at the regional
level in the past year. Three focus areas of ESCAP were
emphasized, namely poverty alleviation; managing globalization,
including bridging the digital divide; and tackling emerging
social issues in the region. The meeting was reminded
of the objective of the newly established Information,
Communication and Space Technology Division: to assist
capacity-building in creating an enabling environment
for information, communication and space technology development,
transfer and applications. The priorities of RESAP would
focus on the promotion of regional cooperative mechanisms
on space applications for disaster management, and preparation
of the region for satellite-based broadband services and
applications, such as education, health and community-based
information service centres.
27. The ESCAP secretariat had (a) organized and serviced
the meetings of four regional working groups and the Intergovernmental
Consultative Committee under the regional cooperation
network on space technology applications, (b) developed
and initiated the implementation of three projects with
the financial and in-kind support from China, France and
India, (c) continued the regional information service
through its two publications and web site, (d) conducted
a study on operational integration of space technology
applications (satellite-based remote sensing, communication,
meteorology and positioning services) for sustainable
development with the information superhighway, (e) organized
the fourth meeting of the Dialogue Forum on Harmonization
of Regional Initiative for Space Cooperation, and (f)
provided 39 fellowships to support the training and education
activities hosted by China, India and Indonesia on a technical
cooperation among developing countries (TCDC) basis.
2. Country reports by the national
contact points.
28. The meeting noted with satisfaction that considerable
progress had been attained at the national level, as summarized
below by the national contact points.
China
29. The Double-Star Project is a cooperative project
with European Space Agency, aiming to probe and predict
geospace storms. An equatorial orbit satellite and a polar
one will be deployed to measure the dynamic processes
of the Earth's magnetosphere. ESA will fly in the Double-Star
Project eight instruments, which are identical to those
currently flying on the four Cluster Project spacecrafts.
The hardware inside the equatorial orbit satellite is
currently undergoing its final tests. The equatorial orbit
satellite will be launched in December 2003 and the polar
one in 2004. Data from the DSP will be available for public
use via the DSP web site. By combining the Double-Star
and Cluster satellites, scientists will be able to probe
the space close to the Earth and better study the effects
of the sun on the planet's environment.
30. On 30 December 2002, China launched its fourth test
flight of SZ-4 under the manned spacecraft programme.
Fifty-two devices or facilities were onboard the space
vehicle for seven scientific experiments in the field
of, among others, microwave Earth observation, space environment
monitoring, microgravity fluid physics, and biological
technology research. The microwave remote-sensing test
in a space flight is the first feat of its kind for China,
mainly aiming at oceanographic targets and concurrently
monitoring land and air conditions at the boundary of
oceans and continents. In order to carry out a comprehensive
survey of the space environment, a total of 11 devices
were installed on the spaceship, specializing in monitoring
the parameters of high-altitude atmosphere and high-energy
and low-energy radiation. The kinetics of Marangoni migration
of liquid droplets under micro-gravity conditions is noted
for its exceptional importance both in theoretical exploration
and in its application value in such aspects as in material
processing, crystal doping and others. All scientific
experiments onboard the SZ-4 have been successfully fulfilled.
31. China is in the course of implementing a lunar probe
programme. The probe programme would consist of three
steps: orbiting, landing and returning from the moon with
lunar soil and rock samples. The first phase of lunar
exploration will be a lunar orbiter spacecraft to circle
the moon by 2010. Its scientific goals are (a) to obtain
lunar surface three-dimensional images, (b) to analyse
the content of lunar surface elements and the distribution
of lunar materials, (c) to survey the thickness of lunar
soil, and (d) to survey the ground-moon spatial environment.
32. The first China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite
(CBERS) was launched in 1999, and the two countries plan
to launch CBERS-2 late this year to further study the
Earth's surface. It is expected that CBERS would become
one of the most-used remote-sensing satellites by 2010
- not only by Brazil and China but also by many other
countries. The operational geostationary orbit meteorological
satellites FY-2C/D/E are being manufactured, and the first
one, FY-2C, is scheduled to be launched in early 2004.
Indonesia
33. Indonesia is one of the largest archipelagos in the
world, with around 17,000 islands, and using satellites
is an efficient way to connect them. The history of Indonesian
satellite applications began with the launch of the Palapa
satellite series. The successful launch of Palapa encouraged
several private companies to have their own satellite
for communication applications. The first private satellite
was Cakrawarta-1, owned by PT Media Citra Indostar. Launched
on 11 November 1997, it carried S-band transmission to
provide digital direct-to-home (DTH) services within Indonesia
and its neighbouring countries. The second private satellite,
Telkom-1, was launched by Ariane 42-P in August 1999.
It is designed for a 15-year lifetime and supported by
a variety of telecommunication applications, such as high-speed
digital traffic compatible with VSAT applications. It
covers the whole nation and some parts of South-East Asia
and northern Australia.
34. A Proton rocket launched the next satellite, ACeS
Garuda-1, on 12 February 2000. Designed to operate for
12 years, it carries an advanced mobile telephony and
data service communication system, provides cellular communication
services throughout the West, central Asia, Eastern Europe
and parts of northern Africa. The ACeS system is owned
by Bermuda-based Asia Cellular Satellite (ACeS) International.
35. Indonesia uses several remote sensing satellites,
namely SPOT-1, JERS-1, Landsat-5 and 7, NOAA, GMS and
ERS-17-2. The remote sensing data has a wide range of
applications in agriculture, forestry, geology and research.
The national weather and environment remote sensing data
collection system is used for weather and environment
observation, as well as to prevent damages caused by natural
disasters.
36. Indonesia began to develop satellite technology through
the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN).
In 2003, LAPAN and the Technical University of Berlin
signed an MOU to develop the first Indonesian micro-satellite,
called LAPAN-TUBSAT. This programme opens the challenge
for Indonesian engineers to master the different stages
of satellite building, from designing, implementing, testing
and launching to operating the satellite. LAPAN-TUBSAT
will carry remote sensing and store-and-forward communications
payload and will be launched in 2005.
37. The next programme is to develop a remote sensing
satellite to support the food sustainability programme
in Indonesia. This satellite, which is called LAPAN-DLRSAT,
will be built in collaboration with the German Aerospace
Centre (DLR) and be launched around 2008.
Islamic Republic of Iran
38. Considering the specific condition and geographical
location, the Islamic Republic of Iran trusts that space
technology and its applications can make significant contribution
to its development. Institutionalizing the space activities
is considered as a vital necessity. The Iranian Remote
Sensing Centre, affiliated to the Ministry of Telecommunications
and Information Technology, in cooperation with other
related bodies is committed to establishing the Iranian
Space Agency. Presently the issues concerning parliamentary
approvals are going on successfully and promisingly.
39. Space policy aims to achieve several goals: (a) commercialization
of space applications such as broadcasting, Earth observations,
environmental change observations, climate prediction,
survey and mapping, (b) human resource development for
implementation of space development in the future, (c)
acquisition and mastery of space science and technology
directed to support the development of space applications
and industrial activities, (d) encouragement of space
activities in the private sector in order to familiarize
the public with space activities and integrate them into
daily life, (e) promotion of space science and technology
among the Iranian youth who will play a key role in the
future of the country, (f) establishment of a space information
system at the national level, and (g) promotion of international
cooperation based on principles of mutual benefit and
reciprocity.
40. The Islamic Republic of Iran is currently taking
measures not only to provide required facilities, hardware
and software but also to extend its educational activities,
by using national resources and through implementation
of bilateral, regional or international cooperation projects.
Presently there are more than seven universities offering
postgraduate courses or degree programmes in space remote
sensing and geographic information systems. There are
other administrative bodies providing discipline-oriented
or special courses on new space technologies. The Iranian
Remote Sensing Centre established a Multi-Mission Remote
Sensing Ground Station, which has both S- and X-band capability
to receive data from existing and future satellites. Reception
of Terra/MODIS data has been in service since October
2001, and in September 2002 the station was made capable
of receiving from the Indian IRS satellite.
41. In addition to atmospheric disasters, the National
Committee on Natural Disaster Reduction, within the framework
of a joint research project, is using the space-based
positioning systems to monitor plate movements along major
active faults in Khorasan Province (north-eastern Iran)
and the Tehran region, which have historical and recent
earthquake records and reactivation potentials. This project
is being carried out through a trilateral joint endeavour
that includes the Geological and Mineral Exploration Survey
of Iran and the National Cartographic Centre.
42. Recently, a tender has been issued by the Telecommunication
Company of Iran (TCI) for nine gateways and 300 DAMA Earth
stations using TDMA access in Ku band to improve rural
and remote area communications, and to satisfy applications
of data transfer, multi-point-to-point, point-to-point,
short-term and emergency communication services and Internet
links. TCI is also planning to provide communication service
for 2,000 rural points and 500 private users with satellite
systems in the near future, and to provide tele-medicine
and tele-education services for the points that do not
have fast access to the central hospital and universities.
43. In 2002, a tender for two Ku-band geostationary orbit
(GSO) satellites named Zohreh was announced, with the
intension to take over the domestic traffic presently
handled by Intelsat satellite. Today, four national television
channels are broadcast nationwide through 2,600 TVRO terminals,
thus rendering almost complete national television coverage.
44. As one of the seven members of the Asia-Pacific Committee
on Multilateral Cooperation in Space Technology and Applications,
the Islamic Republic of Iran is participating in manufacturing
and launching of a Small Multi-Mission Satellite (SMMS).
As another attempt fostering educational and technological
development, the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology
in cooperation with the Ministry of Post, Telegraph and
Telephone are taking fundamental steps towards satellite
design and manufacturing, and a small LEO satellite project
titled "MESBAH" was defined to train Iranian specialists
and to support Iranian research centres and universities
in (a) designing and developing a micro-satellite in amateur
radio frequency for research, email and store-and-forward
data communication, and (b) scientific research work and
training tasks to gain experience and possibly develop
a communication satellite system of the store-and-forward
type.
Malaysia
45. The National Space Agency of Malaysia commenced operations
in July 2002. The objective of the Agency is to build
a comprehensive, coordinated and integrated national capability
in space activities. Its mandates include (a) the formulation
of a national space policy and the National Space Programme,
which is intended to implement the strategies of the national
space policy, (b) allocation of the recourses for such
implementation, and (c) the formulation as well as enforcement
of a regulatory regime.
46. Since its successful launch in September 2000, the
TiungSat-1 imaging payload has captured a total of 232
images from its narrow-angle camera (NAC) and wide-angle
camera (WAC). Reconditioning for the power subsystem has
been adopted to extend the service life of TiungSat-1.
47. The country's second national micro-satellite was
renamed "RazakSat", with its mission objectives of (a)
developing an Earth observation mini-satellite system
to acquire images with a ground sample distance (GSD)
of 2.5 m in panchromatic and 5 m in multispectral bands,
and (b) building up technology and training manpower for
Malaysia. RazakSat is scheduled to be launched in August
2004, with a near-equatorial orbit at altitudes from 600
km to 800 km.
48. The Cosmic Energy Deposition Experiment (CEDEX) is
the first Malaysian space radiation experiment onboard
TiungSat-1. This experiment was designed and built to
study the characteristics of the near-Earth space radiation
environment and its effect on satellite electronics over
both a short- and long-term time scale. A Malaysian scientific
experiment has also been flown in the University of Stellenbosch
SunSat micro-satellite.
49. Malaysia will launch a programme to send an astronaut
to the International Space Station in 2005. It will be
a first for Malaysia and it will encourage more Malaysians
to look at space science, aerospace technology and related
fields. The Malaysian astronaut will conduct experiments
that will bring benefits to Malaysia's scientists, universities
and industry.
50. NanoSAT is a technology demonstration space probe
to study the character of the near-equatorial orbit space
(NEqO) environment. The spacecraft will also be a test
satellite for the NEqO environment. The programme objective
is to develop in-house capability for design and development
of small spacecraft using the advanced engineering technology.
The technical objective of the programme is to demonstrate
the attitude sensor for spacecraft orientation and determination.
The scientific payload will be used to measure the total
dose of space radiation in the orbit and study the near-equatorial
orbit environment.
51. The purpose of the Dosimeter Satellite (D-Sat) is
to analyse the characteristics of the NEqO radiation environment
in terms of accumulated ionizing radiation dose and dose
rates for a specific integration at different points in
orbit. This information will provide knowledge of the
NEqO radiation environment and allow the generation of
specifications for a cost- effective design of future
NEqO space systems.
Republic of Korea
52. The objectives of the National Space Programme of
the Republic of Korea by 2015 are to launch micro-satellites
by 2005, to have a low-earth-orbit multi-purpose satellite
and launcher by 2010, and to become one of the world's
top 10 countries in the space industry by 2015. To build
public-private partnerships and commercialization, the
government will designate KARI to lead firms, research
institutions and universities to jointly conduct research
activities, and to foster major domestic organizations
and specialized firms to integrate the space systems.
A total of 20 satellites are planned to be put into orbit,
including eight multi-purpose satellites, seven science
satellites and five geostationary orbit satellites.
53. The successful launch of the liquid-fuelled rocket
KSR-III in November 2002 marks a major advancement in
domestic satellite launch capability, and a new project
for KSLV-I was initiated towards a space launch vehicle
for small satellites of 100kg in low-earth orbit. KOMPSAT-1,
launched in 1999, has been performing its mission beyond
its designed life span, and yet has capability for two
more years. With the second Korean multi-purpose satellite
KOMPSAT-2 continuing to progress, the CaMS (Communication,
Ocean Monitoring and Meteorological Satellite) programme
is set to begin in 2003, with the mission objectives of:
weather monitoring, with high spatial, temporal and spectral
resolution on East Asia and the Korean peninsula; ocean
colour monitoring to preserve and develop marine resources
and ecosystem; and verification of communication payload
from domestic institutes.
54. The fourth Korean small satellite, KAISTSAT-4, has
been commercialized and is under development jointly under
the direction of the Satellite Technology Research Centre
(SaTReC), of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and
Technology (KAIST), and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute
(KARI); it will be launched on 26 September by a Russian
launch vehicle COSMOS-3M as a piggyback. It is a space
science missions to investigate the evolution and spatial
distribution of the hot interstellar medium by performing
spectral diagnostics in the far ultraviolet (FUV) range,
and to study the Earth's polar region by simultaneously
measuring the populations of charged particles precipitating
into the Earth's upper atmosphere. Its payloads consist
of the Far Ultraviolet Imaging Spectroscope (FIMS), Space
Science Package (SSP), Data Collection System (DCS) and
Narrow Angle Star Trackers (NAST). As a part of realizing
the "Common Denominator Project" scheme proposed earlier
within the Regional Working Group, SaTReC of KAIST and
the Institute of Telecommunication Research (ITR) of the
University of South Australia (UoSA) have joined together
to operate a data collection system (DCS) payload called
ADAM (Advanced Data Acquisition and Messaging) for FedSat-1
of Australia and for X-Sat of Singapore. It is anticipated
that the simultaneous operation of these three satellites
- KAISTSAT-4, FedSat-l and X-Sat - and ground stations
from three countries will certainly enhance the efficiency
of the data acquisition scheme. The development of mobile
terminals for DCS (ADAM) application is being jointly
carried out by the Republic of Korea, Australia and Singapore.
55. A news new Broadcasting Act encourages many companies
to participate in the Internet service business via satellites.
As the demands of high-speed and multimedia services are
increasing, KoreaSat-2 and 3 should play key roles in
the information business sector. To continue and extend
the satellite services, the KoreaSat-5 programme was initiated
in 2002, with a launch planned in 2005. The KoreaSat-5
has a hybrid mission of commercial and military communication
services. The commercial service areas include Japan and
the north-eastern part of China, as well as the Korean
peninsula.
56. The first phase of the Korean Space Centre will be
finished by 2005 for the launch of KSLV-1. The Centre
is located at Ko-Hoeung on the southern cost of the Korean
peninsula.
57. The data policy for KOMPSAT-1 includes free usage
for domestic non-commercial, public and research users;
Korea Aerospace Industry, Ltd. (KAI) is responsible for
marketing for commercial and overseas users. KARI is improving
a new user-friendly interface system using the World Wide
Web and Active Server page (ASP) for data access and services.
Singapore
58. The X-Sat project was initiated as an internally
funded, inter-school project, to be designed and constructed
entirely in the Nanyang Technical University (NTU), as
a technology demonstration mission, with the original
objectives of (a) Earth observation and imaging for environmental
applications such as monitoring of forest fires and ocean
red tides, and (b) satellite-based data acquisition/distribution
and messaging using mobile terminals. In 2001, the DSO
National Laboratory joined the project with additional
fund for development of a 10-m-resolution multi-spectral
(three spectral bands in the visible optical spectrum)
Earth observation or imaging (EI/EO) instrument as a primary
payload, and SaTReC Initiative (SaTReCi) was selected
for collaborative development of the EI/EO, which is derived
from a previous design flown on the KITSAT-3 micro-satellite
mission.
59. The System Definition Review for the project was
completed in early 2003. Currently the project is at the
engineering model stage and the preliminary design review
will be completed by early 2004. In January 2003, NTU
signed the launch agreement with ISRO for the launch of
X-Sat in 2006 using its PSLV launcher. Currently, the
Satellite Technology Research Centre Initiative (SaTReCi)
of Republic of Korea and the Indian Space Research Organization
(ISRO) are engaged as the technical reviewer and auditor
for the X-Sat Space Bus design.
60. NTU is primarily responsible for the design and development
of the X-Sat Space Bus and the secondary payload. The
expected cost is S$6 million, which includes the construction
of two satellite models - the qualification model and
the flight model - their final tests and the launch of
the flight model. The secondary payload, named ADAM, will
be constructed in NTU based on the adaptation of the original
ADAM payload designed and developed by the Institute of
Telecommunication Research (ITR) of the University of
South Australia for FedSat, Australia's micro-satellite
project. NTU has also signed a tri-partite agreement with
ITR (UoSA) of Australia and the Satellite Technology Research
Centre (SaTReC) (KAIST) of the Republic of Korea, to develop
the mobile ground terminals for the ADAM payload.
61. To facilitate R and D collaborations in LEO satellite
technologies, NTU has established several MOUs with overseas
space research centres, such as SaTReC (Republic of Korea),
ITR/UoSA (Australia), the University of Stellenbosch (South
Africa), the University of Surrey/SSTL (United Kingdom)
and the Indian Space Research Organization (India).
Thailand
62. In 2002, the Geo-Informatics and Space Development
Agency (GISTDA) installed a dual band (S-band and X-band),
13-m diameter antenna system compatible with most recent
and future leading remote sensing satellites. GISTDA has
also launched a new service called Satellite Image Processing
and Electronic System, able to deliver satellite images
for near-real-time applications through communication
networks combining Internet and VSAT technologies. In
February 2003, GISTDA and Space Imaging South-East Asia
Co., Ltd. (SISEA) jointly established the IKONOS Regional
Operation Centre (ROC) to provide high-resolution imageries.
In addition, GISTDA has prepared the document on Thailand
Earth Observation Satellite (THEOS) for the Thai Cabinet's
consideration and approval.
63. The Distance Learning Foundation (DLF) has extended
the live education television broadcasting programme via
satellite from secondary school level to include the primary
school level, on all 14 digital channels. In May 2003,
DLF expanded its distance education programme to the Internet
in order to cope with the demands for education 24 hours
a day, anywhere, worldwide.
64. On 22-26 August 2003, the seventh Asia-Pacific Conference
on Multilateral Cooperation in Space Technology and Applications
(APC-MCSTA) was held in Bangkok. The participants exchanged
information on space technology and applications. The
implementation of the on-going cooperative project of
the Small Multi-Mission Satellite was considered in detail.
It was agreed that the SMMS would be launched at the end
of the year 2005. In addition, the institutionalization
of AP-MCSTA, i.e. the establishment of the Asia-Pacific
Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO), was extensively
discussed.
65. As preparation for Thailand's commitment to the SMMS
Project, Pathumwan Institute of Technology (PIT) is carrying
out extensive study and research on the design and fabrication
of the Ka-band transponder payload and antenna system
on board the SMMS satellite, including the development
of modular ground receiving stations (fixed and mobile).
In addition, PIT in collaboration with SISEA launched
a study and research programme on the application of high-resolution
images (from IKONOS) for coastal zone monitoring of the
environment and marine life, and another programme for
surveying the service areas of the terrestrial digital
television stations in Thailand.
66. Five years ago, Mahanakorn University of Technology
(MUT), in cooperation with the University of Surrey, constructed
and launched the Thaipat-I satellite. At present, MUT
is embarking on the design and construction of Thaipat-II
satellite as one member of a seven-satellite constellation
in equatorial orbit. The satellite constellation, the
cooperative project of seven countries, will provide continuous
communications and remote sensing for countries along
the equatorial belt.
67. In recent years, the telecommunication demand in
Thailand has grown drastically. In order to solve the
problem, Shin Satellite Public Co., Ltd. (Shin Sat) initiated
the iPSTAR Project in 1997 with the aim to provide wideband
capacity and reduce the bandwidth cost for mass users.
The iPSTAR is to be launched in 2004.
Viet Nam
68. A master plan for developing space technology applications
in Viet Nam for the period of 2005 and 2010 has been developed,
its major objectives being (a) to speed up the application
of remote sensing technology to meet the socio-economic
development, (b) to conduct scientific research and develop
remote sensing technology, (c) to improve infrastructure
for remote sensing development, (d) to develop human resources,
(e) to improve international cooperation, and (f) to complete
a legal framework for the application and development
of remote sensing technology.
69. The Space Technology Application Centre, under the
National Centre for Natural Science and Technology (NCST),
designed and manufactured HRS-200 and HRS-201 systems
to receive high-resolution data from the GMS-5/FY-2/MT-SAT
geo-meteorological satellites and from the NOAA polar
satellite series separately. Their technical and functional
specifications satisfy users' tasks and are well adapted
to practical conditions in Viet Nam, such as easy operation,
utilization and maintenance; flexible structure, compatible
with common standards; users' control over application,
development and interface with other professional programmes;
and low cost.
70. The NCST also developed an L-band Noise Injection
Radiometer (LNIR) for measuring brightness temperature
(Tb) of different media such as sea surface, soil surface,
and vegetation layers, to investigate their physical and
biological characteristics. One of its most well-known
applications in remote sensing of the environment is to
estimate soil moisture over large areas with fine precision,
saving time and labour.
I. Substantive proposals on project
activities for regional cooperation in space science and
technology applications
Disaster management and environmental
monitoring activities
71. During the sixth and seventh meetings of the Regional
Working Group, a proposal by China for a constellation
of small satellites for disaster and environment monitoring
was introduced and progress was reported. This meeting
was informed by the Chinese representative that China
had begun building its first phase of three small satellites:
two using optical remote sensors and the other with synthetic
aperture radar (SAR), and the ground applications system
is under design. The first satellite in the constellation
will be launched by 2005. China would share the information
from the constellation with other countries in the region
to support their disaster management efforts.
72. The ESCAP secretariat briefed the meeting on its
recent work and activities in promoting the establishment
of regional cooperative mechanisms in use of space technology
for disaster management. These activities include two
regional workshops held in Beijing and Bangkok, the forthcoming
training workshops for South-East Asia and for Pacific
countries, national consultation missions to China and
India, the second phase of the French-supported projects,
and others.
73. Recognizing the importance of regional cooperative
mechanisms on space technology applications for disaster
management, the RWG suggested that the next RWG meeting
put more consideration on the necessity of establishment
of a task force under the RWG. In this connection, the
RWG suggested its members be well prepared for the discussion
at the next RWG meeting.
J. Tentative work plan for 2003-2004
74. The tentative work plan for 2003, which had been
approved by ICC at its eighth session in Beijing in June
2002, and the proposed work plan for 2004 were presented
to the Regional Working Group. The meeting suggested including
in the work plan for 2004 the proposed third symposium
on micro-satellite applications with the next RWG meeting.
K. Venue and provisional agenda
of the ninth meeting of the Regional Working Group
75. The representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran
offered to host the ninth meeting of the Regional Working
Group on Space Science and Technology Applications in
2004. The details of the provisional agenda would be worked
out by the secretariat in consultation with the Coordinator
of the Regional Working Group.
L. Other matters
76. No other matters were raised.
M. Adoption of the report
77. The first part of the report, conclusions and recommendations,
was adopted on 29 August 2003 in Hanoi. It was agreed
that the final report would be drafted by the ESCAP secretariat,
and agreed by participants through correspondence in October
2003.
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
CHINA
Mr Wu Ji, Executive Deputy Director, Centre for Space
Science and Applied Research (CSSAR), Zhongguancun Nanertiao
1, P.O. Box 8701, Beijing 100080. Tel.: +86-10-6258-2760,
fax: +86-10-6257-6921, email: wuji@center.cssar.ac.cn
Mr Wang Chi, Director Assistant, Centre for Space Science
and Applied Research, Zhongguancun Nanertiao 1, P.O. Box
8701, Beijing 100080. Tel.: +86-10-6258-2904, fax: +86-10-6257-6921,
email: cw@spaceweather.ac.cn
INDONESIA
Mr Soewarto Hardhienata, Director, Aerospace Electronics
Technology Centre, Indonesian National Institute of Aeronautics
and Space (LAPAN), Lapan Rancabungur, P.O. Box 13, Semplak
Bogor 16310. Tel.: +62-251-620-112, fax: +62-251-623-010,
email: s-ardh@indo.net.id
ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
Mr Seyed Mostafa Safavi Hemami, Advisor to the Chairman
of the Board and CEO of the Iranian Remote Sensing Centre.
Tel.: +98-21-206-4469, fax: +98-21-206-4474, email: msafavi@iran-irsc.ir
MALAYSIA
Mr Mhd Fairos B. Asillam, Science Officer, National Space
Agency, Lot 53, Jalan Perdana 50480, Kuala Lumpur. Tel.:
+603-2273-4303, fax: +603-2274-8488, email: mfa@baksa.gov.my
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Mr Dong-Jo Park, Professor, Department of Electrical
Engineering and Computer Science, Korea Advanced Institute
of Science and Technology, 373-1 Guseong-dong, Yuseng,
Daejon. Tel.: +82-42-869-3438, fax: +82-42-869-3410, email:
djpark@ee.kaist.ac.kr
Mr Soon Dal Choi, Chairman, SaTReC Initiative (SaTReCi),
461-26 Jeonmin-dong, Yusung-gu, Daejon 305-811. Tel.:
+82-42-365-7501, fax: +82-42-365-7549, email: sdchoi@satreci.com
Mr Hyon Sock Chang, Manager, Space Systems Division II,
SatReC Initiative, 461-26 Jeonmin-dong, Yusung-gu, Daejon
305-811. Tel.: +82-42-365-7506, fax: +82-42-365-7549,
email: hschang@satreci.com
THAILAND
Ms Navanit Aphicholati, Geo-Informatics and Space Technology
Development Agency (GISTDA), 196 Phahonyothin Road, Chatuchak,
Bangkok 10900. Tel.: +66-2-940-5662 or +66-2-326-9155,
fax: +66-2-561-3035, email: navanit@gistda.or.th
Mr Suthi Aksornkitti, President, Pathumwan Institute
of Technology. Tel.: +66-2-219-3300, mobile: +66-1-826-1199,
fax: +66-2-219-3872
VIET NAM
Mr Tran Manh Tuan, Director of Coordination Centre for
Space Technology Applications, National Centre for Natural
Science and Technolog of Viet Nam (NCST), 18 Hoang Quoc
Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi. Tel.: +84-4-836-1780, fax:
+84-4-756-4483, email: tuan@ncst.ac.vn
Mr Bui Doan Trong, Senior Researcher, Space Technology
Application Centre (STAC), National Centre for Natural
Science and Technology of Viet Nam (NCST), 18 Hoang Quoc
Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi. Tel.: +84-4-756-2942, fax:
+84-4-756-4483, email: bdtrong@netnam.org.vn
Mr Doan Minh Chung, Director, Space Technology Application
Centre, NCST, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi.
Tel.: +84-4-756-2942, fax: +84-4-756-4483, email: dmchung@iop.ncst.ac.vn
Mr Pham Van Cu, Director, Centre of Remote Sensing and
Geomatics, Institute of Geological Sciences, NCST, 340
Bach Dang Street, Hanoi. Tel.: +84-4-932-0746, fax: +84-4-932-5184,
email: phamvancu@hn.vnn.vn
Ms Tran Minh Y., Head, Department of Remote Sensing Technology
and GIS, Institute of Geography, NCST, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet
Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi. Tel.: +84-4-756-4718, fax: +84-4-836-1192,
email: tranminhy@netnam.vn
Ms Truong Thi Hoa Binh, Deputy Head, Department of Remote
Sensing Technology and GIS, Institute of Geography, NCST,
18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi. Tel.: +84-4-756-4718,
fax: +84-4-836-1192, email: truonghbinh@hn.vnn.vn
Mr Lai Anh Khoi, Space Technology Application Centre,
NCST, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
Tel.: +84-4-756-2895, email: lakhoi@ncst.ac.vn Mr Bui
Trong Tuyen, Space Technology Application Centre, NCST,
18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi. Email: bttuyen@iop.ncst.ac.vn
Mr Nguyen Thanh Long, Space Technology Application Centre,
NCST, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi. Email:
ntlong@iop.ncst.ac.vn Mr Tran Minh Van Space Technology
Application Centre, NCST, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau
Giay, Hanoi. Email: tmvan@iop.ncst.ac.vn
Mr Ngo Duy Tan, Space Technology Application Centre,
NCST, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi. Email:
ndtan@iop.ncst.ac.vn
Mr Vu Anh Tuan, Centre of Remote Sensing and Geomatics,
Institute of Geological Sciences, NCST, 340 Bach Dang
Street, Hanoi. Tel.: +84-4-932-0746; fax: +84-4-932-5184
Mr Tran Quoc Cuong, Centre of Remote Sensing and Geomatics,
Institute of Geological Sciences, NCST, 340 Bach Dang
Street, Hanoi. Tel.: +84-4-932-0746, fax: +84-4-932-5184
Mr Nguyen Tien Cong, Centre of Remote Sensing and Geomatics,
Institute of Geological Sciences, NCST, 340 Bach Dang
Street, Hanoi. Tel.: +84-4-932-0746, fax: +84-4-932-5184
ESCAP SECRETARIAT
Mr Wu Guoxiang, Chief, Space Technology Applications
Section, Information, Communication and Space Technology
Division. Tel.: +66-2-288-1456, fax: +66-2-288-3012 or
+66-2-288-1085, email: wugu@un.org
