Egyptian Space Science and Technology Research Council
Since the early part of the twentieth century, Egypt has been interested in space sciences and their use, including: (a) Astronomical studies. The Helwan Observatory has enjoyed a wide reputation for decades; (b) Meteorological applications, including the use of satellite data and their relation to global climate change; (c) Communications, with space segments and ground networks; (d) Remote sensing applications in a multitude of fields, including geology, soil and agriculture, urban planning, antiquities, environment, engineering and natural hazards.
In order to achieve more coordination and cooperative thinking, the Egyptian Space Science and Technology Research Council was recently established. The Council is affiliated to the Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research and Technology and comes under the aegis of the Ministry of State for Scientific Research. The Council includes 125 members who represent the main Egyptian actors in the field of space research and studies.
The structure of the Space Science and Technology Research Council includes the following four divisions: Peaceful Uses of Space and Strategic Studies; Space Technologies and Space Vehicles; Applications and Technologies of Remote Sensing and Climatic Change;and Communications, Navigation and Basic Space Sciences.
The Council has set up an Egyptian national space programme in order to accelerate the peaceful applications of space and to help Egypt achieve its technological and development goals. The main objectives of the programme are: (a) To achieve scientific distinctiveness by manufacturing and launching an Earth observation remote sensing satellite designed to serve desert territories in particular; (b) To build and develop capable scientific and technological cadres. Back-up training and education in the field of space technology and related industry, coupled with support for scientific departments, and specialized training programme abroad will be conducted. The United Nations specialized space training centres may provide support for this activity; (c) To take advantage of international space cooperation to enhance and expedite the Egyptian space programme by: obtaining international funding to cover at least some aspects of the programme; enhancing national expertise by participating in bilateral/multilateral joint projects; and organizing exchange visits between Egypt and developed countries on the basis of specific protocols for cooperation; (d) To use space technology as an incentive and catalyst for advanced technological industries in Egypt. Meanwhile, Egypt is focusing on the spin-off benefits of the products that space technology will generate; (e) To encourage the private sector to cooperate in space activities. This will support and maintain the Egyptian programme and is in line with Egypt’s philosophy as regards privatization and the market economy.
