PAPERS & REPORTS
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1. EMIRATES STAR PORT: A PROPOSED UAE "SPACE SECTOR FREEZONE"
Abstract: The UAE's space sector is vibrant and in a state of growth. Numerous space projects are ongoing albeit the majority are commercial ventures, independent of a Federal Policy.
The vast majority of 'aerospace' operations in the UAE focus on aviation and aeronautics whose management tend to see space technology as a different sector all together whereas in reality, this is not the case. The space industry was spawned from the aeronautics/aviation sector in the 1950's and both have run in parallel for over six decades where technological advances from one tends to benefit the other. This explains why the world's aerospace giants such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, EADS, Northrop Grumman etc. cover both aviation and space. With the advent of private spaceflight, these two sectors may see a merge in both technologies but also infrastructures.
This opinion editorial starts by addressing the existing space ventures and then argues in favour of taking a more pro-active approach to developing the space sector by the creation of a space sector freezone to entice foreign space technology companies to the UAE.
2. TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS FOR MARS SAMPLE RETURN USING CO2/METAL POWDER PROPELLANTS
Complete final draft report and associated appendix
Paper presented at the International Astronautical Congress, 2003
Abstract: Mars sample return missions, carrying a selection of rocks, regolith & compressed atmospheric gases, have been discussed in numerous research papers since the days of the Apollo landings but most concepts employ propulsion systems using conventional bi-propellant, composite solid propellants or cryogenic in-situ propellants. An alternative propellant combination consists of carbon dioxide (CO2), which constitutes about 95% of the Martian atmosphere, as the oxidiser & a metal fuel, such as magnesium, mined/collected & processed into powder. This paper reviews the constituents of the Martian environment & discusses various options to extract & process oxidisers & metal fuels for employment as a propellant. A basic propellant evaluation program (PEP) was used to ascertain specific impulse (Isp) for a wide variety of fuel & oxidiser combinations. This was followed by an appraisal of work on metal powder feed systems & injectors. The PEP values were entered into a standard model for sample return vehicles to allow a comparative assessment between various propellant combinations. Suggestions for future work are presented in order to afford Mars mission planners an option to fund a viable alternative for Mars mobility & one that aspires to a roadmap of infrastructure development.
2. ASSISTING MUSLIM UMMAH NATIONS IN OBTAINING SPACE TECHNOLOGY:
AN INTRODUCTION TO SPACE SECTOR NETWORKING & BROKERING
Abstract: INTERPLANETARY EXPEDITIONS was initially established to work on advanced propulsion technologies for possible employment in future Moon and Mars missions. In recent times the company has been focussing its efforts as a space sector networker, facilitator and broker to assist developing; in particular Muslim Ummah nations to obtain space technology.
As a networker, the company acts in the client’s best interest by identifying and supplying information on the most appropriate companies that can offer space related products while ensuring that country’s national requirements are met. Provided the client is impressed with initial results, the company may be appointed as a facilitator where the job specification will be to lead the effort to author a feasibility study to determine national requirements as well as secure project funding, if necessary and if possible. As a broker, the products that can be secured range from satellite turn-key services which include arranging launch, ground station establishment plus operational training and optional detailed satellite engineering know-how technology transfer, or initiating a program of astronomy and astrophysics by establishing a national astronomical observatory. The company also offers accompanying services such as introducing the client nation to a space insurance broker which will guarantee that ones satellite is covered from potential loss during launch and in-flight operation. INTERPLANETARY EXPEDITIONS has an international network of space sector educationalists and experts at its disposal and can also organise professional development programs to cater for literally any course covering the space industry, ranging from, but not limited to, subjects such as space management, space law, space business, space marketing and space systems engineering. Such subjects are specifically designed to cater for a wide variety of groups ranging from junior engineers at grass roots level to senior level civil servants who are responsible for advising the country’s decision makers.
All commissioned work is conducted in a brokering capacity, under contractual agreement which is arranged at the request of the national space organisations, directly with the country’s Government or with entrepreneurs. An approach is taken to ensure full participation of local administrators in order to promote transparency and know-how so future contracts can be dealt with internally thus affording a comprehensive national capability.
3. The International Space University: International, Intercultural & Interdisciplinary Space Education for Graduates
Abstract: The International Space University was established in 1988 initially as a two-month summer session program. The institution now has a permanent campus based in Strasbourg, France and offers two Masters Programs as well as the extremely popular one-week Executive Space Course for, but not limited to, corporate executives and government officials. Students come to the ISU for a number of reasons such as to gain a competitive edge to being their careers in the space sector, assist with career shifts and to develop team work skills in a multicultural environment.
The ISU prides itself on a “3i” (international, intercultural, interdisciplinary) philosophy and has over 2000 graduates from around 90 nations. Probably the most important asset of the ISU is the opportunity to network with leading space experts and professionals from around the world.
This paper (and accompanying presentation) will introduce the types of graduate courses the university offers. A new annual scholarship opportunity for citizens of OIC member states, to be managed by ISNET, will be presented.
Reports TO PROCURE
1. Bangla Communications Satellite-1 (Initial Market Assessment): 2nd Edition
Abstract: Over the past decade & a half, various Governments in Bangladesh have taken numerous steps to improve telecommunications infrastructure in Bangladesh.
This report was originally authored in response to a request from the Bangladesh Space Research & Remote Sensing Organisation (SPARRSO) & the Ministry of Science & Technology (now Ministry of Science & Information & Communication Technology), Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The initial request was for assistance in ITU coordination, orbital slot allocation & the procurement of a telecommunication satellite, but prior to addressing these issues, it was necessary to perform a study on the status of telecommunications & also of market potential. The objective of this report was to identify & outline the current telecommunications infrastructure in Bangladesh & project the trend, both on a national & international level. From this information, it was possible to propose & recommend improvements in the present terrestrial communication architecture to allow the implementation of a national satellite system to compliment the nation’s telecommunications requirements. There is no doubt that the potential exists, & a space-based system is certainly a viable solution given Bangladesh’s terrain. But, such a system will only operate to full efficiency if investment in terrestrial communications infrastructure is given just a high a priority & is developed in tandem to cater for the increase in voice & data traffic. However, it was clear from the outset that the status of the ground segment was so poor, that a telecommunication satellite for fixed line communications would only serve to add to the already congested networks.
This research was required as a prerequisite to the procurement of a satellite system since the findings clearly highlights the danger of launching a satellite without the pertinent investment in terrestrial infrastructure to support such a system.
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