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

Bangkok, Thailand, 22-23 September 2004

I. Conclusions and recommendations

1. The ninth meeting of the Regional Working Group on Space Science and Technology Applications (RWG/SSTA) noted with satisfaction the progress made by member countries in developing their national capability in space science and technology applications, and expressed its appreciation to the ESCAP secretariat for its contribution in assisting the activities of the RWG/SSTA.

2. Recognizing the substantive cooperation opportunities offered by its member countries, and the broad interests and expectations expressed at the meeting for the future goals of the Regional Working Group, the meeting requested the Coordination Office to improve its planned survey by incorporating possible cooperation fields and opportunities discussed at the meeting, so that the RWG would be able to develop a more concrete agenda on which to focus and to achieve more substantive cooperation activities benefiting more member countries. The meeting suggested that the survey would be disseminated more widely, through the assistance of the national focal points to the Regional Space Applications Programme (RESAP) and the national contact points of the RWG, to more institutions, including private sector and education institutions.

3. The meeting reviewed the progress and situation of three task forces, and made relevant decisions: (a) Sharing of space science data from space missions and ground networks (co-led by China and Indonesia): the meeting accepted the report of the task force leader, and agreed that this task force had completed its work; (b) Investigation of infrared technology for forest fire detection (led by Singapore): considering the changed situation, and the absence of the task force leader at the meeting, the meeting suggested that the Coordinator contact the task force leader for his agreement to close the task force; (c) Preliminary feasibility study of developing educational resources suitable for use with low-cost ground stations (led by Australia): the meeting noticed the difficulty of the task force in making substantive progress, and agreed to close the task force.

4. The Meeting appreciated the efforts made by the ESCAP secretariat in promoting regional cooperative mechanisms on space technology applications for disaster management. In this context, the meeting welcomed the offer of China to make use of its airborne models of dual-frequency radiometers for soil moisture measurement in other interested member countries free of charge. This model would be further developed for space-borne applications for water-related disaster monitoring.

5. The meeting discussed the future directions of the RWG under RESAP, and recognized that its goals would be: information exchange; joint space science and technology development, including balloons and sounding rockets; common payloads and a common bus for microsatellites; and sharing of ground facilities and related instruments and technology, among others.

6. The meeting suggested that space education and capacity-building should be one of the activities encouraged in the RWG. The meeting appreciated the offer of KAIST of the Republic of Korea to look into organizing postgraduate degree courses with full scholarships in space science and technology, GIS and remote sensing to developing countries in the region.

7. Considering the common concern of the region in satellite approaches for development of distance education, the meeting recommended that the established distance learning systems and expertise of member countries such as India and Thailand could be adopted as models for other member countries. The RWG could discuss relevant technical issues of such systems, and it requested the ESCAP secretariat to explore the possibility to have a common session with the Regional Working Group on Satellite Communication Applications in 2005.

8. The meeting appreciated the offer of China to extend its hosting of the Coordination Office of the RWG for another term of two years.

9. The meeting appreciated the offer made by the participant of Pakistan on hosting next year's meeting of the RWG in Pakistan, subject to the approval of the Government.

10. The meeting agreed that the agenda for the next meeting of the RWG would be discussed between the Coordination Office and ESCAP secretariat, based on the results of the planned survey.

II. PROCEEDINGS

A. Organization of the meeting

11. The eighth meeting of the RWG/SSTA, organized and hosted by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, was held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 22 to 23 September 2004.

B. Attendance

12. The meeting was attended by 14 participants from the following member countries: Australia, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The ESCAP secretariat serviced the meeting. A list of the participants is attached.

C. Opening

13. The meeting was opened on 22 August 2003, by Mr Wu Guoxiang, OIC of the Information, Communication and Space Technology Division of ESCAP. An opening message from Mr Kim Hak-Su, the Executive Secretary of ESCAP, was delivered to the meeting.

14. In his message, Mr Kim Hak-Su reiterated the speedy developments in the field of information and communication technology (ICT) and how these developments have stimulated the process of globalization of the world economy. Because of this change, how to deal with the digital divide was gaining importance and ought to be addressed in every platform and on every occasion. In order to bridge the existing digital divide, space science and technology may make its special contributions, which allow access to vital information for sustainable development planning and disaster management, and extending development-oriented ICT services and applications to less developed areas. Since the Space Technology Applications Section became a part of the newly established Information, Communications and Space Technology Division under ESCAP in 2002, efforts have been made to enhance the ability of the Regional Space Applications Programme to help the countries in the Asia-Pacific region better achieve the development goals recommended by major world conferences, through the use of space-based information and communication technology.

15. Mr Kim also expressed his pleasure that that most members, including developing countries, are actively involved in various initiatives or projects related to small or microsatellite development and applications. The technology developed in recent years has greatly lowered the threshold of a country, even a university, to enter the community of satellite development, in-orbit experiments, or space exploration. The success of a country in substantive space activities will greatly enhance the confidence of their people and the capacity of the country to benefit from the technology revolution, bridge the digital divide, and stimulate an innovative spirit to prosper in a knowledge-based economy.

D. Election of officers

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

E. Adoption of the agenda

17. The Regional Working Group on Space Science and Technology Applications adopted the following agenda:

F. Report of the Coordination Office

18. The Coordination Office suggested that under the decisions made at the last ICC session, the RWG should be more involved in the e-learning and e-medicine (telemedicine) arena. The RWG should follow up and interact more closely with the activities and initiatives in the region.

19. In order for the work of each country to be more compatible with other countries' work, a common/standardized bus should be decided upon by the countries in the region for further developments in space activities. A similar bus has been suggested by the states in the form of a standardized microsatellite bus and related systems as a key to their vision of a new business model for the space industry that would facilitate the rapid launch of small satellites executing very focused missions.

20. Because most of the countries in the region are still far behind, the meeting believed that more support should be provided to capacity-building in the field of space science and technology applications.

21. Some of the relevant events reported to the meeting were as follows: the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) capacity-building workshop in China, in May 2004, and Mr Kim Hak-Su's recent visit to China. Due to the fact that the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO) has an agenda on space science and technology applications, the RWG was encouraged to have a long-term involvement with APSCO.

22. The meeting was informed that there was not enough response to the carefully designed survey. It was suggested that the modified survey would be distributed again among the relevant organizations with in the member states.

23. It was reported that some major international activities would be taking place in the coming years, such as the 50th International Geophysical Year in 2005 and the International Heliophysical Year in 2007, and that RWG should be involved in the activities.

24. The meeting was invited to access the home page of the RWG frequently. The home page is kindly hosted at the Centre for Space Science and Applied Research (CSSAR), Chinese Academy of Sciences. The URL for the home page is http://www.cssar.ac.cn/ssta/ssta.htm.

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

25. Owing to the unavailability of the task force team members of the 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 heard only the report of the task force on sharing of space science data from space missions and ground networks. The progress report was presented by China, co-leader of the task force.

26. The space data collected by China over the years will be made available to the public, over the Internet, in one year. The web site is under development and will be hosted by CSSAR. The data will cover all measurements obtained so far.

27. Indonesia will also make all its atmospheric measurements obtained through RADAR available for larger user groups.

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

28. The ESCAP secretariat presented a report briefing the meeting on the main activities and achievements implemented within the reporting period, both at the regional and international level. Besides a new focus area of the sub-programme on information communication and space technology (Informed Disaster Management Using Space Technology and Applications of Satellite-based Broadband), three focus areas of ESCAP were reiterated for the new members of the Working Group. 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.

29. The ESCAP secretariat had (a) organized and serviced the meetings of the four Regional Working Groups and the Intergovernmental Consultative Committee, (b) developed and initiated a project for a two-year period and continued the implementation of the existing project with financial and in-kind support from France and Republic of Korea, (c) continued the regional information service through its five CD-ROM publications and web site updates, and (d) provided 37 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

30. The meeting noted with satisfaction that considerable progress had been attained at the national level, as summarized below by the national contact points.

Australia

31. Since it had been a very quiet year, the Australian report was again based on FedSat. The microsatellite was re-introduced to the meeting and the future of the Cooperative Research Centre for Satellite Systems (CRCSS) was discussed.

China

32. China presented its report under two headings: (a) scientific mission activities and (b) long-term development programme.

33. In scientific missions, the Double Star Project (DSP), a cooperative project with the European Space Agency (ESA) investigating the realm of geospace (the solar terrestrial environment, the domain of sun-Earth interactions), is up and running with the launch of TC-1 (in equatorial orbit) in December 2003 and TC-2 (in polar orbit) in July 2004. TC-1 has been transmitting data since March 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.

34. Chang'E-1 is the first Chinese lunar exploration programme. It will operate at a 200-km circular polar orbit around the moon. On board this spacecraft, there are six scientific payloads. They cover four major objectives: to survey the lunar surface with a stereo camera, to explore composition of material on the lunar surface, to evaluate the thickness of the lunar soil, and to explore the Earth-moon space environment. The mission is expected to be launched in the year 2007.

35. A disaster-monitoring constellation mission, currently composed of two optic and one radar satellite, is under development and expected to be launched during 2006-2007. Interested countries are invited to join the programme.

36. The long-term development plan has been designed by Chinese Academy of Science, with the coordination of the China National Space Administration (CNSA). The plan includes space physics (space weather/space environment), space astronomy, micro-gravity science, space life science, space Earth science, and more. Emphasize is on innovations and experiments complementary to international space science missions.

37. By utilizing the Double Star Project data, geospace will be explored, and space weather, the magnetosphere, and the space environment in general will be investigated. In order to obtain information on geospace, one of the requirements is the multiple satellite involvement. That is the fact behind the DSP.

38. The "Living with a Star" programme, or "HOUYI," involves using the Solar Space Telescope (SST) to observe the solar system as a complement to the geospace programme. As part of the inter-planetary remote sensing programme, the Solar Polar Orbit Radio Telescope (SPORT) is also planned for the future. Solar Wind and Storm Exploration (SWISE) is another programme to study geospace, which involves two spacecraft.

Indonesia

39. The history of Indonesian satellite applications began with the launch of the Palapa satellite series. The successful launch of the Palapa satellites encouraged several private companies to have their own satellite for communication applications, such as the Cakrawarta satellite owned by PT Media Citra Indostar, Telkom-1 and Telkom-2 satellites owned by PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, and ACeS Garuda satellite owned by PT Pasific Satelit Nusantara.

40. Indonesia uses several remote sensing satellites, namely SPOT-1, JERS-1, Landsat-5 and 7, NOAA, GMS, and ERS-1 and 2. The remote sensing data have 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 observations, as well as preventing destruction caused by natural disasters.

41. In 1999, the Indonesian National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) established a tracking, telemetry and command (TTC) station in Biak Island (Biak-I). Biak-I serves as one of the important down-range stations (DRSN) for the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle mission. Biak-I is also used for monitoring the performance of the third stage, injection of the spacecraft (GSAT) into orbit, and preliminary orbit determination. Additionally, Biak-I provides round-the-clock TTC support for IRS-1C, IRS 1D, IRS-P3, IRS P4 and TES missions.

42. Installation of the second TTC station, Biak-II (S- and C-band, Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) standard), is currently in progress and will be finished in 2005. Biak-II will be one of the prime C-Band TTC stations for GSAT in the launch and early-orbit (LEOP) phase. Biak-II serves as an alternative to the Perth Intelsat C-band TTC station and can be used to monitor spacecraft snap signal and propellant venting operations. Biak-II will be able to provide back-up support to the Master Control Facility (MCF) in Hassan during the satellite's transfer orbit phase and will also enhance the visibility coverage requirements for the remote sensing satellite missions of ISRO.

43. With these two stations in Biak, LAPAN and ISRO are ready to support any external agencies that require TTC support from this location.

44. This year, LAPAN procured a Terra-Scan system from Sea-Space Company. This system is able to receive data from meteorological and environmental satellites and can process data into images and overlay. The system is designed for receiving X-band data from the MODIS direct broadcasting sensor carried by Terra and Aqua EOS satellites. Furthermore, the system will be modified to receive S-band data from the LAPAN-TUBSAT satellite, which is currently being developed by Indonesian engineers under the supervision of Prof. Udo Renner from the Technical University of Berlin. LAPAN-TUBSAT is a video surveillance satellite and will be launched in October 2005 using the PSLV launch vehicle.

Pakistan

45. Pakistan has already launched two communication satellites: Badar-1 in 1990 on board the Long March rocket, and Badar-B in 2001 on the Zenith-2 rocket, and it is planning to launch another one in 2005.

46. Through satellite information, Pakistan has been monitoring Arabian Sea cyclones, drought, dust storms and oil spills. The main source of information is Envisat, Radarsat and SPOT. A severe drought has been affecting the country since 1996, the provinces of Baluchistan and Sindh are the most severely affected.

47. Through wind mapping experiments, the country is searching for sustainable and renewable energy sources as alternatives to fossil fuels. This is still in the experimental stage.

48. As a bilateral cooperation project, Pakistan has made an agreement with ESA to obtain a number of Envisat images, free-of-charge, under the Natural Hazards Monitoring in Pakistan Project.

49. Pakistan is also studying fog, which affects the country at certain times of the year. In this study, information from Meteosat-5 and NOAA-15 is used.

Republic of Korea

50. The Satellite Technology Research Centre (SaTReC), in the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), has developed and is operating the country's first two satellites (KITSAT-1, 2), and its first Earth observation satellite (KITSAT-3) and space science satellite (KAISTSAT-4, renamed STSAT-1). The centre is currently developing Science Technology Satellite-2 (STSAT-2), which is the second satellite of the STSAT series designated in the long-term plan for the Republic of Korea's space development by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

51. STSAT-2 is a microsatellite, weighing about 90 kg, for satellite technology research and space science. The engineering objective of STSAT-2 is to provide a test-bed for the satellite core technology, including a fine digital sun sensor and a double-head star tracker. STSAT-2 will be launched by the first Korean small satellite launcher, KSLV-1, into an ellipsoidal orbit of 300 km x 1500 km, with an inclination angle of 80 degrees. With satellite laser ranging, it will provide a unique opportunity to investigate in a precise manner the variations of an ellipsoidal orbit. Additionally, the precise orbit determination will be used to evaluate the performance of the launcher. The STSAT-2 is now in the phase of engineering model development and is scheduled to be launched by 2005. However, the STSAT-2 programme will be delayed because of the delayed development of the launcher.

52. In the course of STSAT-2 development, a cooperative research agreement has been made between the Chinese Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) Network and SaTReC as a joint research programme. It aims to provide knowledge and experience in satellite laser ranging technology and the SLR tracking of STSAT-2. This research agreement is expected to develop a model for future cooperative programmes in space technology in the Asia-Pacific region.

53. STSAT-1, which was the mission preceding STSAT-2, was launched into a sun-synchronous orbit of 680 km altitude on 26 September 2003 by a Russian launch vehicle, COSMOS. The STSAT-1 payloads consist of the Far Ultraviolet Imaging Spectroscope (FIMS), Space Science Package (SSP), Data Collection System (DCS), and Narrow-Angle Star Trackers (NAST). The FIMS is a cooperative project between SaTReC, the University of California in Berkeley, and the Korea Astronomy Observatory and is the main payload of STSAT-1.

54. Through the ground station at SaTReC, the Republic of Korea has about five contacts a day and performs about 18 observation scenarios. Daily, about 45 megabytes of payload observation data, as well as about 1 megabyte of telemetry information, are received.

Sri Lanka

55. One of the recent initiatives, establishing rural multiservice platforms (CeCs) optimized for IP-based data solutions, is addressing the current ICT infrastructure deficiencies in rural areas. The key objective is to deliver global knowledge to the village domain. These centres will also function as the delivery points of specified e-government services. These knowledge centres will address the main issues of fulfilling Sri Lanka's economic and social development objectives.

56. In an attempt to address the issues of minimizing the gaps between the educational attainments of its people, Sri Lanka has obtained donor funding. Relevant projects are in progress through the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Training, and the Ministry of Science and Technology. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is funding the Distance Education Modernization Project, which provides on-line distance education for post-secondary school leavers who cannot attend conventional universities because of limited capacity, and for external degree students of traditional universities, plus others who wish to upgrade their capacity to join the rapidly recruiting private sector. The annual output is estimated to be approximately 80,000.

57. ADB is also funding the setting up of Internet connections for 1,000 secondary schools, all Teacher Centres of the Ministry of Education, training 1,000 teachers in basic IT skills and developing high-quality educational materials in digital format and then posting them on the Internet.

58. Approved initial funding from the World Bank channelled through the Information Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), established under the auspices of the Prime Minister's Office, has been utilized for the establishment of Tele-centres as Knowledge Centres (known as Viswa Gnana Kendras, or VGK, meaning "global knowledge centres") in farm communities for the dissemination of technical and market information, and improvement of the communication system, in order to ensure a more reliable health information service. In addition, the Distance e-Learning pilot project, as upgraded and extended tele-centres comprising delivery outlets in the northern, north central, eastern, southern and central parts of Sri Lanka, are in progress. The Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies (ACCMT) is the project manager for implementation of the Distance e-Learning pilot project.

59. The primary issues in all these above programmes are the infrastructure, computers in a LAN arrangement, connectivity, and content.

60. In order to establish a two-way communication link between the villages and the science and technology institutions for the successful transfer of research and development and appropriate technology to small and medium-sized enterprises, computer-linked resource centres are being established in every "divisional secretary" area, and science and technology groups are being established in every village through the Vidatha (meaning "transfer of technology") programme under the auspices of the Ministry of Science and Technology. Trained technical persons resident at these locations will act as conduits between the needs of the village and the available solutions provided by the science and technology institutions.

61. In Sri Lanka, science and technology activities are performed by a number of state organizations spread among 10 ministries, out of a total of 42 ministries. The Ministry of Science and Technology is the principle ministry responsible for science and technology policy formulation, coordination and development. In 1998, the National Science and Technology Commission (NASTEC) was established to advise the government on policies and plans for the development of science and technology and to review the progress made and to make recommendations to Parliament.

62. The Biennial Conference on Science and Technology (BICOST) is a mandated task of the National Science and Technology Commission (NASTEC), bringing together scientists, technologists, policy makers, decision makers, managers, funding agencies, entrepreneurs, industrialists, and stakeholders of science and technology to focus on priority areas in science and technology, with the prime object of national development for the country. In the recently concluded sessions of BICOST-III, strategies for implementing some of the findings identified earlier in BICOST-I and II, which affect the quality of life of general public, were discussed, such as the need to improve productivity in the agricultural sector, air pollution, water resource management (defining the quality and quantity), and protection of natural resources (biodiversity), such as soil conservation, land degradation and depletion, coastal and marine resources, and other topics.

63. Two institutions, namely the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) and the National Engineering Research and Development Centre (NERDC), were established for the purpose of promoting industrial development by undertaking, among other activities, research and development and technology transfer. Whereas ITI's strength lies in areas related to applied science, NERDC focuses on engineering and development activities. The Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies, as its name implies, covers the areas of initiating, promoting and introducing the application of modern technologies to improve the quality of life of the nation's citizens. The Industrial Development Board (IDB) is the main extension arm of the Government on matters pertaining to small and medium-scale industries.

64. Since this paper concentrates on development and transfer of industrial technologies, the activities of only ITI, NRDC and ACCMT are discussed briefly. In addition, activities of the IDB, which has an extensive regional network for technology transfer and diffusion, are given to make the picture complete.

65. The Industrial Technology Institute's present mission is "To provide demand-driven scientific industrial R and D and internationally competitive technical services to catalyse rapid industrialization for the benefit of the people of Sri Lanka," and its major functions are to support industry by undertaking (a) testing, consultancy and contract research, (b) technology transfer activities, (c) adaptation of technologies and development of new technologies, (d) collection, processing and dissemination of useful technical information, (e) training of technical personnel, and (f) monitoring and mitigation of environmental pollution. Research is currently focused on four broad thrust areas: food, herbal, materials and environment.

66. The major functions of NERDC are to promote the development of indigenous technology, to ensure the adoption and adaptation of appropriate technology, to offer technology transfer services, and to monitor and source technological information. It has six R & D departments: Electrical and electronics, Renewable energy, Civil engineering, Energy management and environmental engineering, Agricultural and post-harvest technology, and design fabrication and consultancy. Research activities are focused on renewable energy, cost-effective building technology, energy management and environmental engineering, and provision of energy-efficient lighting to areas not covered by grid electricity. Some R & D examples are biogas from rice straw and municipal garbage; utilization of gasifiers as incinerators for crematoriums, ovens and foundries; windmills for water pumps and power generation; and solar drying and refrigeration, to mention a few.

67. IDB has nine regional offices and six R & D divisions: (a) Technical services, (b) Rubber products development, (c) Regional development and industrial estates, (d) Planning, (e) Marketing, and (f) Engineering services. In addition, the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Consultancy Services and the Centre for Industrial Technology Services function under the purview of IDB as separate agencies each with its own respective governing panel. IDB's original mandate was to assist industry by providing industrial information, marketing advice, investment analysis and feasibility studies, engineering and technical assistance, workshop and foundry facilities, management training, and consultancy and entrepreneurship development. However, the IDB is presently concerned with the development of products and processes based on appropriate technology and dissemination of such technology to industries at the rural and cottage level; similarly, it promotes poverty alleviation programmes and self-employment projects.

68. The aim of ACCMT is to accelerate the process of introduction and development of modern technologies in the field of communication, computers, space technologies, energy and robotics. Microelectronics, which is central to all of the above fields, is considered a thrust area of ACCMT. Research activities include the design and development of several electronic engineering products and systems for industry, such as power line monitors, garment assembly line efficiency monitoring system, and others.. A space application centre has been set up to cover satellite communications, remote sensing and astronomy. In the latter, a 45-cm Cassegrain telescope donated by the Government of Japan in 1996 has been instrumental for all research work in this sphere of activity.

69. ACCMT is currently engaged in the use of GIS data to analyse and correlate findings with ground studies of coastal erosion in Sri Lanka. Other projects in the pipeline are water resource location, fish location, digital road maps, and more. However, the dearth of readily available data remains a major constraint to moving forward.

70. Similarly, rural connectivity to provide communication infrastructure, e.g. under the Vidatha programme with the present telecommunication system, will also face difficulties in the near future, as the available infrastructure does not provide either wire-bound or wireless solutions to entirely cover the rural sector. Since the purchasing power and population distribution is below par levels in the rural sector, this lack of commercial viability will impede progress in, for instance,. investment by the private sector in the infrastructure needed for wideband connectivity.

71. As a developing country, Sri Lanka is establishing a national strategy on development and application of information and communication technology to accelerate economic and social development. However, implementation of work to bridge the digital divide will require establishment of facilities for communication. Satellite broadband applications for resolving connectivity issues are an established solution particularly applicable to the rural sector. But the crucial issues related to the cost of providing connectivity remain vital questions to be discussed.

72. In addition, the availability of remote sensing and GIS data would enhance the capacity-building efforts entrusted to different departments handling the various sectors, such as forestry, fisheries, urban development, and coastal conservation in Sri Lanka. One example would be the use of this technology coupled with portable GPS units to make fishing more efficient and to prevent Indian fishermen from entering Sri Lankan territorial waters and vice versa.

73. Since acquiring readily available satellite data and filter programs for different sectors is one of the major constraints, ACCMT could act as the national node for the different institutions in the country that could benefit from data from remote sensing and GIS, satellite meteorology and the like, and to serve as a representative source for data. The data to be made available could be restricted to the country's borders, inclusive of territorial waters.

74. Initial funding would be crucial (a) to assist in preparation of feasibility studies for the delivery of satellite broadband connectivity services to rural areas, (b) to establish modalities in the exchange of GIS data and regional cooperation for upgrading existing capacity of institutions in terms of staff training and equipment for data handling/storage services, and (c) for consultants to advise and assist in the process of implementation of the above.

Thailand

75. Thailand Earth Observation Satellite (THEOS) is a three-year project made possible by cooperation between Thailand and France. In November 2003, the Cabinet approved GISTDA, Ministry of Science and Technology, as an operating agency for THEOS with EADS Astrium Co., Ltd., France. GISTDA and EADS Astrium signed the contract for the development of THEOS in July 2004. GISTDA and EADS Astrium will cooperate to build the THEOS satellite and implement the associated ground infrastructure in Thailand, which will provide Thailand with worldwide geo-referenced image products and image processing capabilities for applications in cartography, land use, agricultural monitoring, forest resources assessment, forest fire monitoring, coastal zone monitoring and flood risk management. THEOS will have 2 m resolution in panchromatic mode and 15 m in multispectral mode. The satellite, whose lifetime is five years, will be launched in July 2007.

76. The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) concluded an agreement with GISTDA for cooperation in a pilot project for utilizing ALOS data in Thailand. In this project, GISTDA will provide ALOS image data to all participating Thai agencies. The seminar on Pilot Project for ALOS Data Utilization in Thailand, organized by GISTDA and JAXA with the cooperation of the Remote Sensing Technology Centre of Japan (RESTEC), was held successfully in Thailand in March 2004. The seminar was aimed at promoting ALOS satellite data utilization in Thailand's user community. As had been initiated during the conceptualization of the project, GISTDA will be the coordinator of the project and responsible for producing the agencies. GISTDA and JAXA soon will sign an MOU to make GISTDA the ALOS Asian sub-node. GISTDA and RESTEC will cooperate to upgrade the ground receiving station of GISTDA for ALOS within a month.

77. GISTDA, in cooperation with JAXA and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT), held the 10th Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-10), titled "Toward Promotion Cooperation on Space Application in Our Region" in January 2004 in Thailand. There were 119 participants from countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The participants of three working groups, including the Earth Observation Working Group, Communication Satellite Applications Working Group and Space Education Awareness Working Group, had good opportunities to exchange ideas and experiences and discuss future cooperation in space activities of the region.

78. The workshop on the Integration of Geo-information Utilization in Government Agencies was organized by the National Geo-information Committee and GISTDA, the secretariat agency, in January 2004, in order to collect and summarize the mission, plans and requirements concerning geo-information of government agencies, and finally to conclude recommendations on policy guidelines, budget allocation and roles of government agencies concerned, as well as the performance of the committee for integration, unity and sustainability of geo-information utilization of the country as a whole.

79. The establishment of the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization as part of Asia-Pacific Multilateral Cooperation in Space Technology and Applications (AP-MCSTA) has been substantiated after the final draft of APSCO Convention had been prepared, amended and distributed to various countries by the secretariat to the AP-MCSTA in December 2003. On Thailand's part, the final draft of the Convention is being presented to the Cabinet for consideration by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology.

80. Thailand, along with six other countries, is participating in the cooperative project of the Small Multi-Mission Satellite (SMMS), which resulted from several Asia-Pacific Conferences on Multilateral Cooperation in Space Technology and Applications. On 26 December 2003, the Government of Thailand, through the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, signed a hiring contract with Kasetsart University (by the Consortium of Aerospace Engineering) to study, design and build the Ka-Band Experiment System to be installed in the SMMS. The preliminary design review is being prepared at present.

81. Regarding communication satellites, Shin Satellite PLC, the Government's counterpart in the BTO contract to provide services via domestic communication satellites, has plans to launch Thailand's fourth communication satellite, named Thaicom-4, or iPSTAR (the commercial name), in the first quarter of 2005. This new broadband satellite has its orbital slot at 120° East and user bandwidth capacity of 45 Gbps (25/20) forward and return at 13 million or more users. It has more than 90 spot beams for complete Asia-Pacific coverage with the largest Ku-Band coverage and bandwidth capacity in a single satellite. In Phase I, iPSTAR "second-generation gateways" will be located in 10 cities throughout Asia and the Pacific, namely Delhi and Bombay in India, Bangkok in Thailand, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou in China, Jakarta in Indonesia, Kalgoorlie and Broken Hill in Australia, and Tokyo in Japan. The extension of gateways is planned in Phase II to eight more cities, namely Seoul in the Republic of Korea, Manila in the Philippines, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Taipei in Taiwan Province of China, Hanoi in Viet Nam, Auckland in New Zealand, Rangoon in Myanmar, and Phnom Penh in Cambodia.

82. In March 2004, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology signed a hiring contract with Chulalongkorn University to prepare the National Master Plan for Space Affairs Development 2004-2014. The master plan will suggest a policy framework that will cover development, implementation, promotion and cooperation in space technology and applications, and the framework can provide guidelines for various governmental bodies and organizations, to ensure the stability of the country's development in terms of space. The first progress report on the making of the master plan has already been submitted, and the second seminar was held on 3September 2004.

83. Mahanakorn University of Technology (MUT) has initiated the ThaiPaht-1 project in 1996 for microsatellite technology transfer from the University of Surrey. The objective of the project is to train lecturers from MUT to use this technology and perform research for future development and research for education and scientific purposes in Thailand. ThaiPaht-1, which weighs 50 kg, has the ability to take pictures in red, green and near-infrared spectral bands using three narrow-angle cameras. The images can be used for natural resource management. The satellite also takes image using a wide-angle camera for weather monitoring. ThaiPaht-1 may be used as a laboratory for engineering students at MUT in many areas. There are a number of laboratory facilities at MUT that can support experiments with satellites. The satellite can be used in many areas to enrich the understanding of students. Experiments in the fundamental subjects common to all students can be done with the satellite, such as Doppler effect and orbit mechanism. The lecturers may also use the microsatellite for research. After the successful launch of ThaiPaht-1 in July 1998, MUT started the ThaiPaht-2 project. The aims are to provide technology transfer and to develop new technology to help make Thailand more self-sufficient in space technology. ThaiPaht-2 is currently being designed and built at MUT by lectures and graduate students. ThaiPaht-2 has many advantages over ThaiPaht-1, such as higher-resolution cameras and high-speed communications. ThaiPaht-2 also has capability for research on Wideband Code Division Multiple Access mobile communication. The new software can be uploaded to computer modules. The satellite is expected to be ready by the middle of 2005 and will be used mainly for research and development.

84. The Distance Learning Foundation is committed to integrate His Majesty the King's advocacy of lifelong learning via technology, Sufficiency Economy, and moral teaching and training with the ICT technology in a humanized distance education module.

85. Within a span of nine years, since the first broadcast in 1995 and the subsequent formal establishment of the Foundation to commemorate the 50th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne in 1996, the live satellite transmission via Ku band and DTH system combined live primary and secondary curriculum broadcasts from grade 1 to 12 in its entirety on 12 channels. The 13th channel focuses on vocational training, community education, and university education. The international programmes supported by the specialized agencies of the United Nations, foreign embassies and Thai embassies abroad and various academic institutions are broadcast in six languages, including English, French, and Chinese on the fourteenth channel. The Royal granting of home delivery education from Wang Klaiwon School reaches the neighbouring countries of Cambodia, China (Yunnan), Laos, Myanmar and Viet Nam.

86. In 2004, full-cycle distance education is broadcast to all 3,140 secondary schools within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education and 5,000 primary schools, out of the total 30,000 schools in Thailand.

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

Disaster management and environmental monitoring activities

87. 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.

88. The ESCAP secretariat briefed the meeting on its recent work and activities in promoting the establishment of regional cooperative mechanisms in the 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.

89. 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 2004-2005

90. 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 microsatellite applications with the next RWG meeting.

K. Venue and provisional agenda of the tenth meeting of the Regional Working Group

91. The representative of Pakistan offered to host the tenth meeting of the Regional Working Group on Space Science and Technology Applications in 2005, in Pakistan at a location in Karachi. 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

92. No other matters were raised.

M. Adoption of the report

93. The first part of the report, conclusions and recommendations, was adopted on 23 September 2004 in Bangkok. It was agreed that the final report would be drafted by the ESCAP secretariat, and agreed by participants through correspondence in October 2004.

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

AUSTRALIA

Mr Jeff Kingwell, Manager, Cooperative Research Centre for Satellite Systems, G.P.O Box 1483, Canberra ACT 2601. Tel.: +61-2-6281-8525, fax: +61-2-6281-8526, email: jeff.kingwell@csiro.au

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

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

PAKISTAN

Mr Mateeul Haq, Assistant Manager, Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), Sector 28 Off University Road, Karachi - 75270. Tel.: +92-21-815-0765 (to 79), fax: +92-21-814-4928, email: suparco@super.net.pk

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

SRI LANKA

Mr S. Namasivayam, Director/Chief Executive Officer, Arthur C Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies, Katubedda, Moratuwa. Tel.: +94-011-265+0677, fax: +94-011-265-0462, email: dir@accmt.ac.lk , or ceynalco@sltnet.lk , or Satish@accmt.ac.lk

THAILAND

Ms Songporn Komolsuradej, Senior Policy and Planning Analyst, Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, TOT Corporation Building, 9 Chaeng Wattana Road, Laksi, Bangkok 10210. Tel.: +662-568-2492, fax: +662-568-2537, email: ksporn@mict.go.th

Ms Onwaree Jarernporn, Policy and Planning Analyst, Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, TOT Corporation Building, 9 Chaeng Wattana Road, Laksi, Bangkok 10210. Tel.: +662-505-7237, fax: +662-568-2537, email: onwaree@mict.go.th

Ms Varaiporn Sintop, Scientist, Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), 196 Phahonyothin Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900. Tel.: +662-326-4284, fax: +662-326-4291, email: varai@gistda.or.th

Maj. Gen. Prapat Svaitphanu, Senior Officer, Advisor to Defence Space Technology Centre, Defence Space Technology Centre, Permanent Secretary Office Bldg., Chaeng Wattana Road, Nonthaburi. Email: macnasa@hotmail.com

Cpt. Darunee Chompradith, Defence Space Technology Centre, Permanent Secretary Office Bldg., Chaeng Wattana Road, Nonthaburi. Email: macnasa@hotmail.com

Mr Udom Chanopas, Executive Board Member, Distance Learning Foundation, 3rd Floor, Office of the Basic Education Commission, Ministry of Education, Dusit, Bangkok 10300. Tel.: +662-281-5637, fax: +662-281-5783, email: udon@thaitr3.com

Associate Professor Suthi Aksornkitti, President, Pathumwan Institute of Technology, Rama I Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330. Tel.: +662-219-3300, fax: +662-219-3872, email: suthi@dlf.ac.th

Ms Sorada Duke, DLF Chief and Director for International Affairs, Distance Learning Foundation, 3rd Floor, Office of the Basic Education Commission, Ministry of Education, Dusit, Bangkok 10300. Tel.: +662-281-5637, fax: +662-281-5783, email: dukesorada@hotmail.com

 

ESCAP SECRETARIAT

Mr Wu Guoxiang Chief, Space Technology Applications Section, Information, Communication and Space Technology Division

Mr Nokeo Ratanavong Scientific Affairs Officer, Space Technology Applications Section, Information, Communication and Space Technology Division

Mr David Hastings GIS Officer, Space Technology Applications Section, Information, Communication and Space Technology Division

Mr Cihat Basocak GIS Officer, Space Technology Applications Section, Information, Communication and Space Technology Division