Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (Affiliated to the United Nations)

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Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations)

Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China)

(affiliated to the United Nations)

Contents:

Introduction

Big Events

Education and Training Programmes

Outreach

May 8, 2018

1 Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations)

Introduction

Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations) (RCSSTEAP for short) was established on November 17, 2014. The Centre is located on the main campus of Beihang University, Beijing, China.

The main education and training fields of the Centre include Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (RS&GIS), Satellite Communications, Micro-satellite Technology, Space Law and Policy, etc.

The Centre has established extensive cooperation with space industries. A variety of internships and hands on opportunities are provided to the participants.

The Centre has internationally qualified academic and administrative staff with excellent facilities for education, accommodation and recreation.

Presently, the Centre has ten (10) Member States including Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Peru and Venezuela.

Mission

Promoting the peaceful use of space technologies for the benefit of all humankind.

Vision

Down to the Earth while Aiming High

Purpose

The Centre, as an education and training entity supported by the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), was established with a mission to promote the peaceful use of space technologies for the benefit of humanity and to sensitize the countries within the region about space science and technology activities by educating

2 Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations) and creating awareness through training, workshops, short courses and outreaches. It seeks to contribute to the implementation of “Programme on Space Applications” promoted by COPUOS and to the enhancement of the education and training level as well as application capacity of space science and technology in the Member States of the Centre through capacity building, information communication, training programmes and professional visits.

Organizational Structure and Functions

The Governing Board

In accordance with practice, the Centre shall establish the Governing Board and the Advisory Committee. The Governing Board shall be the principal policy-making organ of the Centre. The Advisory Committee shall put forward advice on the work of the Centre to the Governing Board. The Director shall take responsibility for the Centre under the leadership of the Governing Board.

The Advisory Committee

The Advisory Committee shall be composed of experts from government organs, universities, research institutions and industrial communities in the Member States. The major responsibilities of the Advisory Committee shall be providing consultations on the Centre’s policies, plans, and education and training, as well as providing the training programmes of the Centre with resources directly or indirectly.

The Advisory Committee shall have one Director and several Committee Members. The Director shall be from the Host Country.

Operational Body

The Centre shall have one Director and one Deputy Director in charge of different departments, including admission and students’ affairs, education and training, operational and logistical support, cooperation and legal affairs.

3 Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations)

Name List of the Governing Board Members

No. Name Gender Country Affiliation&Title

Administrator of China National Space 1 Chairperson Tang Dengjie Male China Administration (CNSA)

Director of International Cooperation of LANSARI 2 Member Male Algeria Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) Abdeldjelil

Secretary General of Argentina National 3 Member Felix Menicocci Male Argentina Commission of Space Activities

Chairman of Bangladesh Space Research and Md. Dilwar 4 Member Male Bangladesh Remote Sensing Centre Bakth

Space Engineer of Bolivian Space Agency Roger Apaza 5 Member Male Bolivia (ABE) Vásquez

Jose Raimundo President of Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) 6 Member Male Brazil Braga Coelho

Head of National Institute of Aeronautics Thomas 7 Member Male Indonesia and Space (LAPAN) Djamaluddin

Member of Pakistan Space and Upper 8 Member Imran Iqbal Male Pakistan Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) Jose Julio Cesar Representative of National Commission on 9 Member Humberto Male Peru Aerospace Research and Development Acuña (CONIDA) of the Republic of Peru President of Bolivarian Agency for Space Anthoni Camilo 10 Member Male Venezuela Activities of Venezuela (ABAE) Torres

Name List of the Representatives of Observers

No. Name Gender Affiliation&Title

Simonetta Di 1 Female Director of United Nations Office For Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) Pippo Secretary General of Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization 2 Li Xinjun Male (APSCO)

4 Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations)

Name List of the Advisory Committee

No. Name Gender Country Affiliation&Title

1 Xu Huibin Male China President of Beihang University

5 Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations)

Organizational Structure of the Centre

Governing UNOOSA CNSA Board

Advisory Committee

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n 6 Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations)

Big Events

In February 2013, the Chinese delegation proposed to establish a new regional education centre for space science and technology affiliated to the United Nations at Beihang University at the 50th Session of the Scientific and Technological Subcommittee of COPUOS.

In June 2013, the proposal was approved at the 56th conference of COPUOS.

In September 2013, Beihang University passed the evaluation organized by United Nations Office For Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) with the conclusion of “Offered or Satisfactory” (OS).

In March 2014, Premier of People’s Republic of China approved the establishment of the Centre in China.

On November 17, 2014, the first meeting of the Governing Board was held in Beijing. Mr. Xu Dazhe, the Administrator of China National Space Administration (CNSA), Deputy Minister of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China (MIIT), was appointed as the chairperson of the Governing Board.

On November 28, 2015, the second meeting of the Governing Board was held in Beijing. Mr. Xu Huibin, President of Beihang University, was appointed as the chairperson of the Governing Board.

On December 6, 2016, the first Advisory Committee Meeting was held in Beijing. Proposal for Alliance of Regional Centres (ARC) initiated by RCSSTEAP was discussed and generally agreed by the representatives.

7 Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations)

The 1st Meeting of the Governing Board, Nov. 17, 2014

The 2nd Meeting of the Governing Board, Nov. 28, 2015

The 1st Advisory Committee Meeting, Dec. 6, 2016

8 Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations)

Education and Training Programmes

The Centre, focusing on talent cultivation, has been effectively promoting space education since its establishment. Emphasizing on assessment in accordance with standards, strict thesis proposal and defense with individualized teaching are carried out at the Centre. In addition, featuring “strengthening practice in talent cultivation”, the Centre aims at training the students’ ability in applying knowledge and skills to practice as well as developing teamwork spirit through Team Pilot Project. The students here are expected to be professional space talents with international perspectives.

The main education fields of the Centre now include: Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (RS&GIS), Satellite Communications, Micro-satellite Technology, Space Law and Policy. It has recruited one hundred and thirty-three (133) students from eighteen (18) countries in MASTA and DOCSTA programmes from 2015 to 2017. Presently, one hundred and twenty-two (122) students from sixteen (16) countries are studying at the Centre for their doctoral and master degrees, of which seventy-seven (77) are applying for master degree and forty-five (45) are applying for doctoral degree.

MASTA Programme

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) provides positioning, navigation and timing services for the whole world. It is the most important spatial infrastructure in the social life and military applications in modern times. The GNSS would serve people in many areas together with Remote Sensing, Geographical Information System such as disaster management, emergency response, land, aviation and maritime transportation, etc.

The objective of the programme is to enable the students to master the space

9 Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations) segment of GNSS including the satellite constellation, orbit and the payload for clock, signal source, communication and attitude control, the ground segment including the satellite maintenance, telemetry, ephemeris and almanac, and the user segment including receiver and navigation applications. The programme also provides an opportunity for students to touch the frontier technologies on GNSS.

Referring to the Education Curricula of UN-PSA, Master’s Programme on Space Application would be completed in two phases:

(a) 9-month Course Study

(b) 12 months for Advanced Research project (at Beihang University or in applicant’s homeland)

Training Programme Phase Ⅰ Course Study in China: 9 months (at Beihang University) (Leading to Course completion Certificate) Module Ⅰ Module II Module III • Team Pilot Project Formulation of an Common • Major courses • Practice Courses Individual Training Plan Platform Courses • Academic Lectures • Professional Visits Phase Ⅱ Thesis Research: 12 months (in China or home country) (Leading to Master’s Degree in Engineering) Literature Survey and Midterm Assessment Academic Activities Thesis Research Thesis Proposal

Remote Sensing and Geo-information System (RS&GIS)

Remote sensing is the art and science of making measurements of the earth using sensors on airplanes or satellites. These sensors collect data in the form of images and provide specialized capabilities for manipulating, analyzing, and visualizing those images. A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer-based tool for mapping and analyzing feature events on the earth. Remote sensed imagery is integrated within a GIS. The potential of remote sensing (RS) techniques, coupled with geographical information systems (GIS), are widely recognized as supporting tools for the planning,

10 Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations) monitoring and management of the appropriate utilization of resources at the country, regional and global levels.

MASTA students specializing in Remote Sensing and Geo-information System will get training in both the underlying theory and the application of remote sensing, spatial analytical methods, digital cartography, and geographic information systems. Students will be provided with many professional visits to learn how remote sensing and GIS technologies are currently applied in various fields such as natural resource management, environmental monitoring, disaster assessments, and other related fields. Some leading national and international geoinformatics practitioners will be invited to lead training or seminars to highlight industrial, commercial and governmental applications.

Referring to the Education Curricula of UN-PSA, Master’s Programme on Space Application would be completed in two phases:

(a) 9-month Course Study

(b) 12 months for Advanced Research project (at Beihang University or in applicant’s homeland) Training Programme Phase Ⅰ Course Study in China: 9 months (at Beihang University) (Leading to Course completion Certificate) Module Ⅰ Module II Module III • Team Pilot Project Formulation of an Common • Major courses • Practice Courses Individual Training Plan Platform Courses • Academic Lectures • Professional Visits Phase Ⅱ Thesis Research: 12 months (in China or home country) (Leading to Master’s Degree in Engineering) Literature Survey and Midterm Assessment Academic Activities Thesis Research Thesis Proposal

Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Satellite communication is one of the most impressive spin-offs from space programmes, and has made a major contribution to the pattern of international

11 Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations) communications. For the operational satellites, more than half are dedicated to telecommunication uses. Due to their unique advantage of large coverage range, satellites can provide communication services to mobile users anywhere in the coverage region, including land, ocean, and air. Satellite communication can provide the right solution for a number of applications, such as: enterprise connectivity, retail transactions, Internet connections, video/TV direct to home, maritime, cellular back-haul, military defense, disaster recovery/emergency relief, education&training, aeronautical connectivity, etc.

The objective of the programme is to train students from the UN Member States for satellite communication and applications, introduce state-of-art satellite communication technology and its future trends, promote deployment and usage of new and innovative satellite communication technology and applications, promote the academic exchange and the technical expertise between Member States for better collaboration on satellite communication technology and applications.

Referring to the Education Curricula of UN-PSA, Master’s Programme on Space Application would be completed in two phases:

Micro-satellite Technology During the past decades, the micro-satellites have been applied widely to space

12 Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations) experiment performance, new technology demonstration and operational missions. Micro-satellite has become one of the key fields in the future space exploration. Because of their simple functions, small sizes, light weight as well as low cost, micro-satellite technology is extremely suitable to be developed in universities. On the other hand, although small or micro-satellites are function and system sample, such kinds of satellites still consist of subsystems that almost cover all the technology in design and manufacture for normal satellites. Therefore, it is an efficient way for students to study and develop space technology through special micro-satellite projects. Many universities in the world are now endeavoring in various of micro-satellites，Surrey University in British and Delft University of Technology are examples.

In order to enhance student innovation and engineering abilities in spacecraft design, a student micro-Satellite (BUAA-SAT) programme is sponsored by Beihang University. After years work, BUAA-SAT has completed its preliminary design phase. All subsystems have been prototyped and demonstrated. Now, the flight model and qualified tests of space environments are conducted. Meanwhile a training platform for micro-satellite has been formed at Beihang University, which contains document materials for design, simulation as well as devices and facilities for test.

Referring to the Education Curricula of UN-PSA, Master’s Programme on Space Application would be completed in two phases:

(a) 9-month Course Study

(b) 12 months for Advanced Research project (at Beihang University or in applicant’s homeland)

Training Programme Phase Ⅰ Course Study in China: 9 months (at Beihang University) (Leading to Course completion Certificate) Module Ⅰ Module II Module III

13 Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations)

• Team Pilot Project Formulation of an Common • Major courses • Practice Courses Individual Training Plan Platform Courses • Academic Lectures • Professional Visits Phase Ⅱ Thesis Research: 12 months (in China or home country) (Leading to Master’s Degree in Engineering) Literature Survey and Midterm Assessment Academic Activities Thesis Research Thesis Proposal

Space Law and Policy

Space law can be described as the body of law governing space-related activities. Space law addresses a variety of matters, such as, the preservation of the space and Earth environment, liability for damages caused by space objects, the settlement of disputes, the rescue of astronauts, the sharing of information about potential dangers in outer space, the use of space-related technologies, and international cooperation. A number of fundamental principles guide the conduct of space activities, including the notion of space as the province of all humankind, the freedom of exploration and use of outer space by all the states without discrimination, and the principle of non-appropriation of outer space. In addition, space law also contains a series of legal systems, such as liability system and registration system, etc. In order to regulate national space activities, some countries have promulgated domestic laws to regulate and guide their space activities.

RCSSTEAP decided to add a new major titled “Space Law and Policy” under MASTA since 2016 so as to promote the educational and training activities of space law at the regional and global level. It is the first regional centre to host the short term training class on space law among six regional centres.

Training Programme Phase Ⅰ Course Study in China: 9 months (at Beihang University) (Leading to Course completion Certificate) Module Ⅰ Module II Module III

14 Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations)

DOCSTA Programme

The programme is focusing on training the participants in solid theoretical knowledge and systematic expertise in the field of space technology applications. It aims to deliver International, Interdisciplinary, Intercultural, Innovative, Identical (5Is) education and provide a powerful platform for scholars and professionals to obtain more opportunities for communicating and experiencing the space technology practice in China.

Participants are expected to have the ability of conducting the scientific research, exploring the applications or pursuing the professional careers in the related fields independently.

Candidates are expected to have a profound grasp and understanding of new technology and development in space science technology and applications. They are required to finish the dissertation with high practicability and application prospects.

The faculty and academic staff for this programme consist of professors, experts and senior engineers invited from Beihang University and some other institutes/academies. The core faculty and experts have extensive and varied experience in the field of space science and technology. In addition, they have acquired considerable experience over the years and are skilled in teaching and advising international students.

In the past three (3) years, the Centre, continuously expanding its channels of cooperation, has organized thirteen (13) short training programmes with International

15 Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations)

Alliance of Satellite Application Service, the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO), the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) and other partners as well as the other UN Regional Centres, covering a number of cutting-edge areas such as remote sensing technology, satellite navigation, space law and policy, BeiDou technology and application, in which five hundred and fifty (550) students from fifty-four (54) countries have participated.

16 Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations)

Outreach

Painting Exhibition on China’s Space Exploration and Achievements On June 17th, 2015, “Painting Exhibition on China’s Space Exploration - Flying with the Wings of Art”, jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and China National Space Administration, was held successfully in the Mozart Hall of Vienna International Center. Before the opening ceremony of Painting Exhibition, Mr. Weng Jingnong, Executive Director of the Centre, gave a technical report on the fifty-eighth session of UNCOPUOS, introducing the achievements made ever since the Centre’s establishment and its future plan in details, which aroused worldwide attention. The Painting Exhibition was followed by a telephone interview with Mr. Weng Jingnong and Mr. Gong Haoqin given by the United Nations Radio and an interview by People’s Daily.

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Poster Design Contest for China Space Day On March 8th, 2016, the State Council officially approved to set April 24th as “China Space Day”. It aims to memorize the great achievements of China aerospace, better advertise China’s consistent purpose of peacefully using the outer space, popularize space knowledge and ignite space spirit. In order to better expand influence of China Space Day, inspire people around the world, especially the young people’s passion for exploration and innovation, the Centre holds Poster Design Contest for China Space Day from March to April annually. The contest gained wide attention and attracted people from all walks of life. In the past two contests, more than three hundred (300) works were received from a great many of teachers and students as well as aerospace fans of all ages all over the world. It provides a good platform for the public to share their space stories and dreams through posters.

Journey of Chinese Aerospace Technology and Culture 2017 In purpose of enhancing MASTA and DOCSTA students’ knowledge in astronautic culture and promoting their abilities and interesting of aerospace, “Journey of Chinese

18 Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations)

Aerospace Technology and Culture 2017” was organized to provide a good opportunity for the participants to extend horizon. As the extension of traditional courses, this series of activities focused on the development of space science and technology covering academic lectures, science and cultural visits, forums and meetings, which gave the participants more chances to communicate and share opinions with each other as well as have a deeper understanding of what they were learning. From March to June, 2017, the participants were organized to visit more than ten (10) space related organizations and agencies. They got a better understanding of the development of the forefront space science and technology, China aerospace, Chinese culture, and gained a better recognition of Chinese technology, philosophy and methodology, as well as the forefront of space science and technology development through technical visits, academic lectures and student forum.

19 Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations)

Brand Building The design elements of the Logo mainly include olive-branch, globe and the Big Dipper (BeiDou in Chinese), symbolizing peace, global vision and Chinese characteristics.

20 Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations)

Degree Programmes and Short Training Programmes 2015-2017

Table 1: Degree Programmes and Short Training Programmes in 2015

Master’s Programme Number of Number of Year Research Direction Participants Countries

2015 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) 6 5

2015 Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (RS&GIS) 7 6 2015 Micro-satellite Technology 10 7 Participants in total: 23; Countries in total: 13 Doctoral Programme Number of Number of Year Research Direction Participants Countries

2015 Space Technology Applications 10 6

Short Training Programmes Number of Number of Time Research Direction Participants Countries

Apr. 19-29 Global Navigation Satellite Technology and Application 43 16

Sept. 14-22 Remote Sensing Technology and Application 30 20

Sept. 17-25 Space Law and Policy 38 12

Participants in total: 111; Countries in total: 26

Table 2: Degree Programmes and Short Training Programmes in 2016

Master’s Programme Number of Number of Year Research Direction Participants Countries

2016 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) 11 10

2016 Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (RS&GIS) 15 11

2016 Space Law and Policy 10 7

Participants in total: 36; Countries in total: 15

Doctoral Programme Number of Number of Year Research Direction Participants Countries

2016 Space Technology Applications 13 9

Short Training Programmes 21 Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (affiliated to the United Nations)

Number of Number of Time Research Direction Participants Countries China Remote Sensing Technology and Data Mar. 20-30 46 13 Applications International GNSS Seminars “GNSS Courses for May 8-20 31 15 curious minds”

Jul. 11-30 BeiDou Technology and Its Applications 37 15

Aug. 8-13 Global Navigation Satellite Systems 83 7

Space-based Technologies for Flood and Drought Sept. 22-27 28 19 Monitoring and Risk Assessment The "Belt and Road Initiative" Spatial Information Oct. 14-16 45 16 Corridor Engineering Application

Oct. 31-Nov. 8 Navigation and Positioning Satellite System Design 31 12

Participants in total: 301; Countries in total: 43

Table 3: Degree Programmes and Short Training Programmes in 2017

Master’s Programme Number of Number of Year Research Direction Participants Countries

2017 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) 11 7

2017 Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (RS&GIS) 14 9

2017 Micro-satellite Technology 15 9

Participants in total: 40; Countries in total: 11

Doctoral Programme Number of Number of Year Research Direction Participants Countries

2017 Space Technology Applications 11 7

Short Training Programmes Number of Number of Time Research Direction Participants Countries

Feb. 22-24 Seminar on BeiDou Satellite Navigation Technology 51 3

International Seminars on Positioning and Navigation May 9-19 40 6 Technologies The First Summer Camp of the APSCO Student Small Aug. 14-Sept. 1 47 8 Satellite Project Integration of Multisource Earth Observation Data for Oct. 25-31 46 17 Disaster Damage Assessment

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China Satellite Service and Big Data Analysis & Nov. 17-19 51 14 Application for Remote Sensing Participants in total: 235; Countries in total: 31