Cape Town | Monday
LOCAL astrophysicists and astronomers are sounding out their counterparts in other parts of Africa on the viability of establishing the continent’s first space science institute.
”The creation of an African Institute of Space Science (AISS) would be a step towards ensuring Africa will be an active participant when decisions about the uses of near-Earth space and about the solar system are taken,” says Dr Peter Martinez of the South African Astronomical Observatory.
In a statement on Monday, Martinez a leading proponent for the creation of an AISS said the initiative had the support of South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF).
The idea for an AISS had originated last year at a workshop arranged by the NRF for astronomers and space scientists to discuss the future of their discipline in South Africa.
”One of the emerging themes of the workshop was that greater South-South collaboration should be encouraged, and that South Africa should strengthen its scientific and technological ties with the rest of the continent in the domain of space science,” he said.
In addition to the usual satellite applications such as meteorology and remote sensing, the potential practical applications of space for development in Africa were ”immense”.
”Practical benefits would arise as spin-offs from programmes conducted by the AISS, and also from technology transfer with the space industry or similar organisations elsewhere in the world.”
Martinez said benefits would include radical improvements in the delivery of health services and education, and quality education at remote locations.
Satellite navigation systems would also benefit economic development and tourism in many African countries.
”South Africa is ideally placed to play a leading role in using space applications to establish an African reference frame, and to co-ordinate the development of space (science) on the continent,” he said.
The NRF was not immediately available for comment on Monday. – Sapa