INTRODUCTION This publication consists of ten selected papers from workshops organized by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, under the framework of the Programme on Space Applications in 2003. The Programme on Space Applications was established in 1971, with one of its main objectives to further general knowledge and experiences in the field of space technology between developed and developing countries. The Programme organizes eight to ten workshops, seminars and training courses on an annual basis for students and professionals from developing countries with the aim of increasing local capabilities in space technologies, thus helping to promote the peaceful use of outer space, in accordance with United Nations goals and principles. These activities bring together professionals from developed and developing countries and allow for an exchange of information in several space-related fields, including telecommunications, remote sensing and satellite applications, global environment and land resources management and international space regulations. This volume of “Seminars of the United Nations Programme on Space Applications” is the fifteenth publication in an annual series that began in 1989. The selected papers discuss a variety of science policy issues and are published in the language of submission. This volume also contains a special module on “Humans in Space & Space Biology”, which was developed specifically for this field of education at universities in developing countries. The module was recommended as an introductory course for use at universities and the Regional Centres for Space Science and Technology Education, affiliated to the United Nations. i CONTENTS Introduction ..............................................................................................................i I. Application-based themes The Use of Space Technology for Environmental Security, Disaster Rehabilitation and Sustainable Development in Afghanistan and Iraq Kian Lovett ................................................................................................2 Application of Space Technologies for Disaster Mitigation or Poverty Relief in Tanzania L.L. Mollel & Japhet M. Werema .........................................................13 II. Knowledge-based themes Instrumental Aid by Japanese Official Development Assistance for Astronomy in Developing Countries Masatoshi Kitamura................................................................................18 CCD Photometry of KZ HYA Using the 45-cm Telescope in Paraguay Fredy Doncel, Alexis Troche and Takeshi Noguchi .............................29 Tripod Implementation at Vanderbilt University: A Hypothetical Analysis Ryan Rexroth...........................................................................................36 III. Enabling technologies A Virtual Classroom and a Virtual Library Virtually Everywhere: WorldSpace for Distance Education in the Developing World S. Rangarajan ..........................................................................................47 A New Ionosphere Monitoring Technology Based on GPS C. Brunini, A. Meza, F. Azpilicueta, A. Diaz and M. A. Van Zele......51 Archives, Databases & the Emerging Virtual Observatories Daniel Golombek .....................................................................................65 IV. Cross-cutting issues High-speed Internet for the Masses: Satellites Bring Promise Jose Toscano ............................................................................................73 ii V. Special Module Humans in Space & Space Biology Klaus Legner............................................................................................77 iii I. APPLICATION-BASED THEMES THE USE OF SPACE TECHNOLOGY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY, DISASTER REHABILITATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ Kian Lovett Permanent Mission of Ireland to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Vienna Abstract Since the dawn of time, humans have engaged in war. In the last 5,600 years of recorded history 14,600 wars have been waged1. The United Nations has sought to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war and to foster peace. Wars have recently taken place in Afghanistan and Iraq. Both countries are now faced with a range of complex problems. In-depth country assessments reveal significant shortcomings in the areas of water, sanitation, health, security and natural resource management. These are key factors when examining environmental security, sustainable development and trans-boundary problems, all of which are issues relevant to the Middle East and Central Asian states. Space technology can be applied to support the reconstruction and development plans for Afghanistan and Iraq; however, there needs to be an investigation and open discussion of how these resources can best be used. Already, agencies within the United Nations possess considerable expertise in the use of space technologies in the area of disaster management. If this capability is to be used, there will need to be inter-agency coordination, not to mention a further expansion and development of the United Nations role in both Afghanistan and Iraq. 1. Introduction The recent histories of Afghanistan and Iraq have been characterized by war. Both states bear the scars of these wars with insecurity in the key areas of food, water, health, shelter and sanitation. For the majority of people, the principal concern is meeting daily needs of having water to drink, food to eat and shelter. In these perilous times the future is uncertain. What is certain though is that as long as the present and the future show no sign of improvement, the potential for further conflict and civil discord will remain. From a survey of major UN and international efforts, the following goals for reconstruction and peace efforts have become apparent: 1. Building the legitimacy and capacity of local governance; 2. Stabilizing the country through integrated community involvement efforts; 3. Infrastructure repair and development – especially civic amenities, communications infrastructure, etc; 2 4. Restoring food security through agriculture and increasing family income; 5. Expanding education and health services; 6. Ensuring sustainability of natural resources and enabling a long-term plan for resource conservation and utilization; 7. Establishing suitable emergency response systems; and 8. Anti-mining operations. Estimated costs for rebuilding Iraq range from USD$55 billion2 to USD$100 billion, making it the largest reconstruction effort since World War II. Many resources have been used and will be used in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Space applications have the potential to spearhead development plans and to bring considerable ‘added value’. 2. Space Technology and Applications A key requirement that facilitates post-conflict reconstruction and development planning is accurate, detailed information. Several types of satellites have the potential to assist with the provision of this information. Earth Observation Satellites (EOS) Since the 1960s, Earth observation satellites (EOS) have been used for the purpose of reconnaissance and verification and crisis prevention thus enabling governments to build an accurate picture of what was and is happening on the ground. In the case of Afghanistan and Iraq, EOS could be used to view the same area over long periods of time and as a result, make it possible to monitor environmental change, the human impact and natural processes. This would facilitate scientists and planners in creating models that would simulate trends observed in the past, present and also assist with projections for the future. EOS could be used in emergency situations where the ground resources are often unavailable. EOS can provide data rapidly when there are earthquakes, landslides and other natural disasters that often prevent assessment by ground or aerial services. EOS provide accuracy, global coverage and operability no matter what the weather or conditions are on the ground. They can also be used for a large number of activities during their lifetime. Navigation Satellites Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are space-based radio positioning systems that provide 24-hour, three-dimensional position, velocity and time information to suitably equipped users anywhere on or near the surface of the Earth. With their global coverage, all-weather operability and extreme accuracy, GNSS such as the U.S. Global 1 Reibaldi, G.G., “Contribution of Space Activities to Peace,” in Acta Austronomica, Vol. 35, No. 8, pp. 553-557, 1995. 2 United Nations/World Bank Joint Iraq Needs Assessment, pp. 11-12, October 2003. 3 Positioning System (GPS) and the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (Glonass) make significant contributions to the following areas: aviation, land and maritime transportation, mapping and surveying, precision agriculture, power and telecommunications networks, disaster warning and emergency response. Communications Satellites Communications satellites make it possible to reach people in remote villages, ships on the high seas and areas where the infrastructure on the ground has been damaged as in the case of a natural disaster and war. They can also help to improve education, health care and the standard of living. They have the most potential for the poorest and devastated areas. Together with ground-based networks they can provide access to the World Wide Web. Satellite telecommunications have the potential of