Keynote Address: The Small Satellite Business: Contributions to, and from, Developing Countries

Abstract

The most pressing need of the developing countries and, therefore, the most useful deed which we could undertake is the establishment of capacity in all areas of space activities. Although more engaging to address, technology transfer is just one component of the equation. Just as important is the necessity to build capacity in space science and technology applications, particularly to demonstrate clearly how small satellites can contribute to important decision making. While it is more profitable simply to sell technology, due consideration should be given to joint investment and financing for projects. Additionally, the issue of the sharing of intellectual property rights, as is deemed appropriate, has to be addressed seriously in order to allow the developing nations to advance incrementally.

Many developing countries have made, or are planning to make investments in small satellite programmes that could be harnessed to complement the space infrastructure in existence; in turn this could augment scientific knowledge on the environment, weather, disasters, etc.. The active involvement of such nations in the space enterprise will bring about a more universal recognition of the importance of space and of the benefits which it can bring to humankind.