SPACE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND ITS IMPACT

 TO SOCIETY

Science has gained national importance because of its pivotal role in the social and economic development of the society. Among the many sciences of importance is space science and its associated technologies. Although space science is as old as history itself, it has nevertheless remained one of the most mystifying sciences to the common man. In his quest to understand space and heavenly bodies within it, man has sent rockets to the moon and finally he has stationed satellites in space.

The exponential growth of scientific knowledge and continuing developments in technology are transforming society. Our lives and future depend profoundly on our understanding of planet Earth. Space technology enables us to observe possible threats to life on Earth and has tools at hand to help inhibit them. Knowledge about space, gained through scientific studies can have enormous economic and social benefits that contribute to meeting many societal needs, from human security to sustainable development.

Space Science and Technology has been applied globally for the benefit of society in areas such as communications, meteorology, surveys and mapping, as well as exploitation and management of the natural resources. Today all parts of the world are being united by communication satellites while space based sensor systems are continually monitoring the globe.  These technologies are providing the support needed for the development activities.

The application of space science worldwide has rapidly improved the procedures employed in land resources and environmental management. Through remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS), it is possible to observe the earth's surface from space crafts and conduct computer analysis of large volumes of data. Satellite observations under Global Positioning System (GPS) have greatly improved the process of obtaining point positions and establishing survey control points and networks. Telecommunication and broadcast services have improved tremendously due to the construction of space communication satellites and satellite earth stations. In-depth analysis of satellite imagery data continues to provide more accurate weather forecasts while at the same time, contributing significantly in military surveillance. Satellite information is also widely used in the monitoring and evaluation of natural resources.

Space technology plays a very important role in surveying and mapping. The use of space technology enhances the process of data access for efficient planning and decision making purposes. The technology includes, among others: the GPS for determination of positions of points on the Earth; photogrammetry for the preparation of photographic images and maps and remote sensing for production of special imagery applicable in mapping, land use planning as well as environmental monitoring and protection. Space techniques currently provide relatively better accuracies than the traditional ground-based methods.

It is therefore important to apply space techniques for sustainable development. Furthermore,  long-term commitments and investments towards the development of skills and knowledge as well as the required infrastructure in Earth observation and related disciplines are to be put in place.

At the same time, the global perspective of the Earth's environment has fostered the development of a number of space-based remote sensing techniques for Earth observation. Both global and repetitive observations are needed to resolve the broad range of space and time scales involved in monitoring and preservation of the environment. Earth observation from space may be the only viable and cost-effective means of acquiring much of the necessary input data for climate and for monitoring the Earth's surface conditions on local, regional and global bases. A series of Earth Observation Satellites such as Landsat, SPOT, ERS-1, have been launched to support several missions covering the study of the Earth's resources and environment, among others.

The successful bidding for the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) by South Africa, puts Africa on the frontline of radio astronomy making it possible to collect radio waves from space. Unlike conventional optical instruments, radio telescopes can work in bad weather and are less troubled by cosmic dust. Kenya is a participant in the SKA project.

Moreover, Italy and Kenya are in co-operation in the San Marco project in Malindi. The project was established in Kenya in 1962 as a result of a bilateral agreement between the University of Nairobi and the University of Rome which is designed to be a space center. This facility will carry out international satellite telemetry support from ground station which also provides logistic support facilities for two satellite launching, tracking and control platforms. Therefore, the aim of this project was to lay foundation for the involvement in space research and technology.  I must say little has been achieved so far.

While several countries have made big steps forward on space science, Kenya is still crumpling with challenges of co-ordination, capacity building among others. The National Council for Science and Technology has prepared a draft Bill and Policy towards setting up of space science agency. It is prudent that all stakeholders participate so that we can realize the enormous benefits and positive impact of space science.