Scientific & Societal opportunities of AMISR:
the story of Zambia
SIBANDA P.
Physics Department, University of Zambia,
Lusaka, Zambia
AMISR in Africa Workshop, Boston 2012
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
1 of 13
Location - Zambia
−180˚ −150˚ −120˚ −90˚ −60˚ −30˚
90˚
0˚
30˚
60˚
90˚
120˚ 150˚ 180˚
90˚
60˚
60˚
30˚
30˚
0˚
0˚
−30˚
−30˚
−60˚
−60˚
−90˚
−180˚ −150˚ −120˚ −90˚ −60˚ −30˚
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
0˚
30˚
60˚
90˚
−90˚
120˚ 150˚ 180˚
2 of 13
Introduction
Scientific benefits of AMISR in Africa
As a whole, Africa is very poorly represented in the space
science.
Space technology is advancing at an increasing pace, yet
most African countries lack the human, technical and
financial resources to utilize existing space-based
infrastructure for even the most basic applications in
meteorology, communications and natural resource
management.
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
3 of 13
Introduction
Scientific benefits of AMISR in Africa
As a whole, Africa is very poorly represented in the space
science.
Space technology is advancing at an increasing pace, yet
most African countries lack the human, technical and
financial resources to utilize existing space-based
infrastructure for even the most basic applications in
meteorology, communications and natural resource
management.
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
3 of 13
Introduction
Scientific benefits of AMISR in Africa
As a whole, Africa is very poorly represented in the space
science.
Space technology is advancing at an increasing pace, yet
most African countries lack the human, technical and
financial resources to utilize existing space-based
infrastructure for even the most basic applications in
meteorology, communications and natural resource
management.
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
3 of 13
Introduction
Scientific benefits of AMISR in Africa
As a whole, Africa is very poorly represented in the space
science.
Space technology is advancing at an increasing pace, yet
most African countries lack the human, technical and
financial resources to utilize existing space-based
infrastructure for even the most basic applications in
meteorology, communications and natural resource
management.
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
3 of 13
Introduction
Scientific benefits of AMISR in Africa
As a whole, Africa is very poorly represented in the space
science.
Space technology is advancing at an increasing pace, yet
most African countries lack the human, technical and
financial resources to utilize existing space-based
infrastructure for even the most basic applications in
meteorology, communications and natural resource
management.
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
3 of 13
Introduction
Scientific benefits of AMISR in Africa
As a whole, Africa is very poorly represented in the space
science.
Space technology is advancing at an increasing pace, yet
most African countries lack the human, technical and
financial resources to utilize existing space-based
infrastructure for even the most basic applications in
meteorology, communications and natural resource
management.
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
3 of 13
Introduction
Scientific benefits of AMISR in Africa
As a whole, Africa is very poorly represented in the space
science.
Space technology is advancing at an increasing pace, yet
most African countries lack the human, technical and
financial resources to utilize existing space-based
infrastructure for even the most basic applications in
meteorology, communications and natural resource
management.
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
3 of 13
Introduction
Scientific benefits of AMISR in Africa
As a whole, Africa is very poorly represented in the space
science.
Space technology is advancing at an increasing pace, yet
most African countries lack the human, technical and
financial resources to utilize existing space-based
infrastructure for even the most basic applications in
meteorology, communications and natural resource
management.
Zambia is not an exception
very little experience in Space Sciences
There has always been a notion that Space Science has
no direct bearing on future employment needs
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
3 of 13
The changing situation - in Zambia
Like many other African countries
There is growing realization that Space Science is an
important tool for development
learn from the experiences of other countries
significant progress in introducing Space Science -related
activities
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
4 of 13
The changing situation - in Zambia
Like many other African countries
There is growing realization that Space Science is an
important tool for development
learn from the experiences of other countries
significant progress in introducing Space Science -related
activities
Challenges:Very little to do with Space Science is available in our
education system
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
4 of 13
The changing situation - in Zambia
Like many other African countries
There is growing realization that Space Science is an
important tool for development
learn from the experiences of other countries
significant progress in introducing Space Science -related
activities
Challenges:Very little to do with Space Science is available in our
education system
Very centralized curriculum development system introducing Space Science is extremely complex
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
4 of 13
The changing situation - in Zambia
Like many other African countries
There is growing realization that Space Science is an
important tool for development
learn from the experiences of other countries
significant progress in introducing Space Science -related
activities
Challenges:Very little to do with Space Science is available in our
education system
Very centralized curriculum development system introducing Space Science is extremely complex
Space science not on the priority list among school subjects
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
4 of 13
The changing situation - in Zambia
Like many other African countries
There is growing realization that Space Science is an
important tool for development
learn from the experiences of other countries
significant progress in introducing Space Science -related
activities
Challenges:Very little to do with Space Science is available in our
education system
Very centralized curriculum development system introducing Space Science is extremely complex
Space science not on the priority list among school subjects
It is viewed by most as a subject for developed countries
with capabilities in space technology.
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
4 of 13
The changing situation - in Zambia
Like many other African countries
There is growing realization that Space Science is an
important tool for development
learn from the experiences of other countries
significant progress in introducing Space Science -related
activities
Challenges:Very little to do with Space Science is available in our
education system
Very centralized curriculum development system introducing Space Science is extremely complex
Space science not on the priority list among school subjects
It is viewed by most as a subject for developed countries
with capabilities in space technology.
Difficult to get government support & involvement
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
4 of 13
The changing situation - in Zambia
Introducing Space Science in Zambia
Late 90’s - first efforts to initiate space related activities
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
5 of 13
The changing situation - in Zambia
Introducing Space Science in Zambia
Late 90’s - first efforts to initiate space related activities
Early challenges:Lack of skills in Space Science among the Zambian
scientists
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
5 of 13
The changing situation - in Zambia
Introducing Space Science in Zambia
Late 90’s - first efforts to initiate space related activities
Early challenges:Lack of skills in Space Science among the Zambian
scientists
IHY-Africa 2007 - was the eye opener
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
5 of 13
The changing situation - in Zambia
Introducing Space Science in Zambia
Late 90’s - first efforts to initiate space related activities
Early challenges:Lack of skills in Space Science among the Zambian
scientists
IHY-Africa 2007 - was the eye opener
For Zambia in particular, the IHY-Africa 2009 was the turning
point - since then
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
5 of 13
The changing situation - in Zambia
Introducing Space Science in Zambia
Late 90’s - first efforts to initiate space related activities
Early challenges:Lack of skills in Space Science among the Zambian
scientists
IHY-Africa 2007 - was the eye opener
For Zambia in particular, the IHY-Africa 2009 was the turning
point - since then
An upsurge of interest in Space Science at the University
of Zambia
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
5 of 13
The changing situation - in Zambia
Introducing Space Science in Zambia
Late 90’s - first efforts to initiate space related activities
Early challenges:Lack of skills in Space Science among the Zambian
scientists
IHY-Africa 2007 - was the eye opener
For Zambia in particular, the IHY-Africa 2009 was the turning
point - since then
An upsurge of interest in Space Science at the University
of Zambia
Platform to established strong links with external
institutions and individual scientists with wide experience
of space research and technology.
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
5 of 13
Capacity building and skills development
South African efforts in Zambian
IHY-Africa 2009 in Zambia - South African involvement
Through the collaborative work with the South African
institutions and individual scientists,
Two Zambian PhD graduates - trained in Space Science
One member of the Phys. Dept. currently persuing his PhD
in space science
Members of the Phys. Dept. have at occasions visited
SANSA, CHPC and SAAO
This has enabled high level access for Zambian scientists
to high-tech astronomical and Space Science facilities
Knowledge and technology transfer has been the focal
point of the cooperation
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
6 of 13
The current situation - progress
Now the cooperation has broadened - includes overseas
institutions and scientists
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
7 of 13
The current situation - progress
Now the cooperation has broadened - includes overseas
institutions and scientists
The GNSS - ICTP/Boston college organized workshops
have contributed significantly
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
7 of 13
The current situation - progress
Now the cooperation has broadened - includes overseas
institutions and scientists
The GNSS - ICTP/Boston college organized workshops
have contributed significantly
My participation here is testimony to all this cooperation
and deepens it further (very grateful to the organizers that
my institution (UNZA) is not left out)
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
7 of 13
The current situation - progress
Now the cooperation has broadened - includes overseas
institutions and scientists
The GNSS - ICTP/Boston college organized workshops
have contributed significantly
My participation here is testimony to all this cooperation
and deepens it further (very grateful to the organizers that
my institution (UNZA) is not left out)
Results of the International cooperation & partnerships
established cooperation - between UNZA Phys. Dept. & the
SANSA in South Africa
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
7 of 13
The current situation - progress
Now the cooperation has broadened - includes overseas
institutions and scientists
The GNSS - ICTP/Boston college organized workshops
have contributed significantly
My participation here is testimony to all this cooperation
and deepens it further (very grateful to the organizers that
my institution (UNZA) is not left out)
Results of the International cooperation & partnerships
established cooperation - between UNZA Phys. Dept. & the
SANSA in South Africa
Have a project jointly funded by SA & Zambia (First time)
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
7 of 13
The current situation - progress
Now the cooperation has broadened - includes overseas
institutions and scientists
The GNSS - ICTP/Boston college organized workshops
have contributed significantly
My participation here is testimony to all this cooperation
and deepens it further (very grateful to the organizers that
my institution (UNZA) is not left out)
Results of the International cooperation & partnerships
established cooperation - between UNZA Phys. Dept. & the
SANSA in South Africa
Have a project jointly funded by SA & Zambia (First time)
established cooperation - between UNZA Phys. Dept. & AOSS
at University of Michigan
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
7 of 13
The current situation - progress
Now the cooperation has broadened - includes overseas
institutions and scientists
The GNSS - ICTP/Boston college organized workshops
have contributed significantly
My participation here is testimony to all this cooperation
and deepens it further (very grateful to the organizers that
my institution (UNZA) is not left out)
Results of the International cooperation & partnerships
established cooperation - between UNZA Phys. Dept. & the
SANSA in South Africa
Have a project jointly funded by SA & Zambia (First time)
established cooperation - between UNZA Phys. Dept. & AOSS
at University of Michigan
A GPS receiver at UNZA - University of Michigan
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
7 of 13
The current situation - progress
Now the cooperation has broadened - includes overseas
institutions and scientists
The GNSS - ICTP/Boston college organized workshops
have contributed significantly
My participation here is testimony to all this cooperation
and deepens it further (very grateful to the organizers that
my institution (UNZA) is not left out)
Results of the International cooperation & partnerships
established cooperation - between UNZA Phys. Dept. & the
SANSA in South Africa
Have a project jointly funded by SA & Zambia (First time)
established cooperation - between UNZA Phys. Dept. & AOSS
at University of Michigan
A GPS receiver at UNZA - University of Michigan
Host of a MAGDAS instrument - the Japanese group
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
7 of 13
Closing the big Gap in Africa
South African efforts in Zambian
The current and emerging space science capacities in
Southern Africa, and its growing scientific linkages with other
countries in the region,
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
8 of 13
Closing the big Gap in Africa
South African efforts in Zambian
The current and emerging space science capacities in
Southern Africa, and its growing scientific linkages with other
countries in the region,
has highlighted the need for improved coordination of
current and future activities in order to maximize the
scientific and societal benefits of space science.
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
8 of 13
AMISR in East Africa - connecting Africa
The AMISR in East Africa
presents opportunities for development that cannot be
ignored, and
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
9 of 13
AMISR in East Africa - connecting Africa
The AMISR in East Africa
presents opportunities for development that cannot be
ignored, and there is need to establish institutional
arrangements to enable the rest of Africa to tap the
benefits
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
9 of 13
AMISR in East Africa - connecting Africa
The AMISR in East Africa
presents opportunities for development that cannot be
ignored, and there is need to establish institutional
arrangements to enable the rest of Africa to tap the
benefits
promote - coordinated upper atmospheric research and
applications in space science and technology to address
the development needs of the continent.
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
9 of 13
AMISR in East Africa - spin-offs
Some of the spin-offs for Ethiopia YES - Zambia???
specialized skills development that can lead to profound
economic advantages
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
10 of 13
AMISR in East Africa - spin-offs
Some of the spin-offs for Ethiopia YES - Zambia???
specialized skills development that can lead to profound
economic advantages
revolutionized computer technology and hence improved
industrial productivity
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
10 of 13
AMISR in East Africa - spin-offs
Some of the spin-offs for Ethiopia YES - Zambia???
specialized skills development that can lead to profound
economic advantages
revolutionized computer technology and hence improved
industrial productivity
improved cyber infrastructure and thus improved
communication
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
10 of 13
AMISR in East Africa - spin-offs
Some of the spin-offs for Ethiopia YES - Zambia???
specialized skills development that can lead to profound
economic advantages
revolutionized computer technology and hence improved
industrial productivity
improved cyber infrastructure and thus improved
communication
radical improvements in the delivery of health services and
education, and quality education at remote locations
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
10 of 13
AMISR in East Africa - spin-offs
Some of the spin-offs for Ethiopia YES - Zambia???
specialized skills development that can lead to profound
economic advantages
revolutionized computer technology and hence improved
industrial productivity
improved cyber infrastructure and thus improved
communication
radical improvements in the delivery of health services and
education, and quality education at remote locations
environmental and agricultural resources
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
10 of 13
Societal benefits
By its very nature
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
11 of 13
Societal benefits
By its very nature
space science research provides a platform to stimulate
the spark of genius that comes from individual inventors
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
11 of 13
Societal benefits
By its very nature
space science research provides a platform to stimulate
the spark of genius that comes from individual inventors
this results in remarkable technical innovations that serve
to advance industrial development which will benefit the
people
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
11 of 13
Societal benefits
Challenge is to keep reminding the decision makers that
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
12 of 13
Societal benefits
Challenge is to keep reminding the decision makers that
anytime you have any type of intensive research activity
going on, new knowledge is going to flow from it
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
12 of 13
Societal benefits
Challenge is to keep reminding the decision makers that
anytime you have any type of intensive research activity
going on, new knowledge is going to flow from it
for space science, tangible impacts on our daily lives may
not be ‘clear cut’
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
12 of 13
Societal benefits
Challenge is to keep reminding the decision makers that
anytime you have any type of intensive research activity
going on, new knowledge is going to flow from it
for space science, tangible impacts on our daily lives may
not be ‘clear cut’
but the return on investment to society from space
science’s challenging activities is significant
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
12 of 13
Societal benefits
Challenge is to keep reminding the decision makers that
anytime you have any type of intensive research activity
going on, new knowledge is going to flow from it
for space science, tangible impacts on our daily lives may
not be ‘clear cut’
but the return on investment to society from space
science’s challenging activities is significant
Emphasis that
We must not create the space programs with the idea of
gaining the above listed collateral benefits - rather it must be
driven by the desire to develop a comprehensive awareness of
our environment
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
12 of 13
Scientific benefits
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
13 of 13
Scientific benefits
The AMISR
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
13 of 13
Scientific benefits
The AMISR
enable the expansion of the studies of the rapidly changing
upper atmosphere and allow us to observe space weather
events on a wider scale (geographically)
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
13 of 13
Scientific benefits
The AMISR
enable the expansion of the studies of the rapidly changing
upper atmosphere and allow us to observe space weather
events on a wider scale (geographically)
thus, facilitate better scientific understanding of upper
atmospheric phenomena i.e.,
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
13 of 13
Scientific benefits
The AMISR
enable the expansion of the studies of the rapidly changing
upper atmosphere and allow us to observe space weather
events on a wider scale (geographically)
thus, facilitate better scientific understanding of upper
atmospheric phenomena i.e.,
ability to track the upper atmospheric changes across
latitude
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
13 of 13
Scientific benefits
The AMISR
enable the expansion of the studies of the rapidly changing
upper atmosphere and allow us to observe space weather
events on a wider scale (geographically)
thus, facilitate better scientific understanding of upper
atmospheric phenomena i.e.,
ability to track the upper atmospheric changes across
latitude
how different/similar are these phenomenon when observed
from the different locations (African/American sectors)
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
13 of 13
Scientific benefits
The AMISR
enable the expansion of the studies of the rapidly changing
upper atmosphere and allow us to observe space weather
events on a wider scale (geographically)
thus, facilitate better scientific understanding of upper
atmospheric phenomena i.e.,
ability to track the upper atmospheric changes across
latitude
how different/similar are these phenomenon when observed
from the different locations (African/American sectors)
quantify the sizes of the ionospheric disturbances time-scales etc
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
13 of 13
Scientific benefits
The AMISR
enable the expansion of the studies of the rapidly changing
upper atmosphere and allow us to observe space weather
events on a wider scale (geographically)
thus, facilitate better scientific understanding of upper
atmospheric phenomena i.e.,
ability to track the upper atmospheric changes across
latitude
how different/similar are these phenomenon when observed
from the different locations (African/American sectors)
quantify the sizes of the ionospheric disturbances time-scales etc
acquire greater knowledge of the drivers of these
phenomenon
AMISR in Africa Workshop, 2012
13 of 13