Empowering Island Nations: A Proposal to Foster Aerospace Industry Participation in the Global South

In the 20th century, space exploration predominantly revolved around two superpowers, namely the United States and the Soviet Union, both possessing advanced technology and the capacity for outer space exploration. However, the landscape of the space industry has evolved considerably, witnessing the emergence of new players such as Europe, China, India, Israel, Australia, and Japan, each making significant strides in space exploration and technology development.

As the space industry expands, there is a growing aspiration among nations of the global south to transition from being mere consumers to becoming active contributors as valuable technology producers within the aerospace sector. Many emerging countries are actively pursuing the goal of space exploration and its sustainable utilisation, reflecting a global trend towards space engagement and innovation. Within this context, several nations have embarked on collaborations with other countries to develop their own space technology and industry. However, there are also nations encountering challenges in establishing a foothold within the space industry hub. For island nations like the Maldives, integrating space technology presents a unique opportunity to address everyday challenges.

Leveraging space endeavours can offer economic opportunities by enhancing communication, monitoring environmental changes, managing natural resources, and supporting tourism, fisheries, and disaster management efforts. By strategically harnessing space capabilities, island nations can unlock new avenues for economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development. What role can space technology play in addressing the multifaceted social, economic, and strategic challenges faced by islands?

• We need Global Navigation Satellite systems: For Maritime, Roads and aviation navigation.

• agriculture and farming: field mapping, soil sampling, tractor guidance, crop scouting, variable rate applications, and yield mapping. Also, GPS allows farmers to work during low visibility field conditions such as rain, dust, fog, and darkness.

• Megafauna monitoring and Animal tracking & environmental monitoring

• Disaster management and mitigation ( especially floods, tsunamis and land subsidies)

A proposal submitted to the 10th AP-SGW by my working group, composed of 9 delegates from different countries.

Inspired by the insights shared by Dr. Russel Boyce A knowledge-based economy related to space exploration involves leveraging data and expertise to drive growth and innovation in the aerospace sector. In the context of transforming an emerging aerospace nation, this entails procuring raw data from technologically advanced countries, streamlining the data analysis process, and commercialising the insights gained. By generating valuable information and knowledge, this approach not only creates additional income streams but also fosters investment in sustainable development initiatives aimed at establishing a sovereign space industry.

This strategic utilisation of resources and expertise propels the nation towards long-term stability and competitiveness in the global aerospace ecosystem.

Implementation Steps:

1- Collecting relevant and reliable data from different sources. depending on the purpose and availability of the dataThese sources can include data from satellites orbiting earth ( obtained from private remote sensing companies or national agencies of other countries) or data collected by UAVs.

2- analysing the data to extract useful information and insights. Data analysis can involve various methods and tools, such as statistics, mathematics, physics, computer science, and AI. Data analysis can help you understand the behaviour, patterns, trends, relationships, and anomalies in the data.

3- visualising the data to communicate and present the results of the analysis.

4- Modelling the data and creating a simplified representation of the system or phenomenon that you are studying.

5- Commercialise the insights obtained.

This will generate an extra economical revenue to the local economy that could be invested into the development of the local infrastructure. as well as allowing the private sector to join this field by legislating new sets of laws and better structuring our legal space related ecosystem to embrace the dynamic changes. This will lead us to notice that the educational system is not equipped with the needed sets of skills to step into Aerospace! And we will have to improve our educational system to align with the demands of this era that include the usage of space related technologies. Moreover, it shall include all societies levels and genders.

This proposal is not just a man's task and though it focuses on young people it does not exclude the old generation creating a technological leap for every member. Also, enabling high speed internet access would be of great value to keep everyone updated and connected with each other.

Identifying Challenges to the Plan: ( Inspired by the insights shared by different panels and presentations at SINC 2024)

1- Polarisation of the region & selective collaboration based on geopolitical alignments.

2- Misbalance of power & influence.

3- Sovereign capability.

4- This is a visionary plan and it will take long-time to realise.

Immediate Action Plan:

1- Knowledge dissemination:

1-1 Invest in Education and Training: Invest in education and training programs to build a skilled workforce capable of contributing to the aerospace industry. This includes STEM education, vocational training, and university partnerships.

1-2 Public Awareness and Engagement: Foster public awareness and support for aerospace initiatives through education, outreach programs, and community engagement. Ex: an Australian foundation called One Giant Leap, organizes free outreach programs and aerospace camps for students and young-professionals, aiming to spread knowledge in an affordable and accessible manner. This initiative seeks to cultivate a next generation fully aware of the importance of space exploration and equipped with the necessary technologies to contribute to it.

2- Promote Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in aerospace-related industries through incentives, grants, and incubator programs.

3- Policy and Regulatory Framework: Establish supportive policies and regulatory frameworks to attract investment, foster innovation, and ensure safety and sustainability in aerospace activities.

4- International Collaboration: Engage in international collaborations and partnerships to access funding, share resources, and participate in joint space missions or projects.

Ex1 : Space city on a pick up truck - UMIC Space - that proposed a detachable underwater space station in which divers can try different experiments both physical and scientific in a space simulating - underwater conditions. In which participants learn, practice, dream and gain a space-diver certificate.

Ex2: Create a Maldivian star observation point, leveraging Maldives' reputation for clear skies and equatorial position.

Ex3: Create a Maldivian star observation point, leveraging Maldives' reputation for clear skies and equatorial position.

Ex4: Space launch site : The Maldives' equatorial location provides an advantageous position for launching satellites into geostationary and other orbits, potentially attracting international space agencies and commercial satellite launch providers.

5- Focus on Niche Markets: Identify niche markets or areas where the nation has a comparative advantage, such as satellite data services, or space tourism(UMIC space).

6- Enable widespread access to high-speed internet through the implementation of Star-link's fast internet connection, subsidised by government initiatives aimed at reducing the cost of usage for all.(Additionally, they have the opportunity to easily access and join our SpaceGen Academy, which aims to disseminate knowledge and expertise from professionals around the world.)

7- Create an open source data management system for consistent, durable and collaborative space- related purposes, supported by the UNOOSA.