Week
4 October 2007
Today marks the 50th year since the Russian satellite Sputnik was launched
into orbit, an occurrence that irrevocably changed the face of space science
and marked the start of the Space Age. The world's first artificial satellite
was about the size of a netball and took about 98 minutes to orbit the Earth.
Less than a year later the United States of America established its space
agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Since then umpteen space excursions have been undertaken, including a man
landing on the moon, while space tourism could be a reality in the next two
years. Space activities have certainly had a positive and beneficial impact on
everyday life. "There are tremendous returns from space science in terms of job
creation, technological know-how and scientific knowledge," says Science and
Technology Minister Mosibudi Mangena.
These include products such as silver foil, radioactive smoke detectors,
cordless drills, cheap electronic calculators, dry ice, bar codes and bar code
scanners, digital displays on watches and rechargeable heart pacemakers. To
coincide with Space Week and Astronomy Month, South Africa is hosting the
second African Leadership Conference on Space Science and Technology for
Sustainable Development in Pretoria this week.
The theme of the conference is 'Building African partnerships in space' and
it is attended by, among others, delegates from 14 African countries. The
conference focuses on knowledge and skills development through capacity
building, knowledge sharing, joint participation in mutual beneficial projects,
as well as bilateral and international co-operation.
Mangena says space activities contribute towards five major societal
challenges. These relate to the state of the environment, the use of natural
resources, the increasing mobility of individuals and products and the related
consequences, growing security threats and the shift towards an information
society. "Devoting resources to the development of space systems can only be
justified from a socio-economic perspective if these systems significantly
benefit society at large. Governments and societies are now realising the
enormous potential of space, and how it impacts on everyday life," he says.
The huge amounts of money spent on space science globally, are no longer a
pie in the sky the practical applications of space science for modern-day
society are common knowledge. For example, satellites are routinely used for
telecommunications, broadcasting and various other applications like obtaining
information about the earth.
Satellite data via the internet already plays a vital role in agriculture
and water resource management, particularly in South Africa's arid conditions.
Satellites are also monitoring almost all aspects of the world's climate
system. This includes measuring the temperature of the sea and land, clouds and
rainfall, winds, sea level, ice cover, vegetation cover and gases.
With major urbanisation taking place rapidly, cities seem to be growing fast
in an uncontrolled way. But by using satellite images, town planners can
ascertain and advice on mitigating problems associated with traffic congestion,
illegal building and too few recreational sites. For its part, South Africa
will soon launch its own low earth orbiting satellite, called SumbandilaSat,
meaning 'Lead the way' in Tshivenda.
SumbandilaSat is part of a multimillion rand, three-year integrated national
space programme developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). It
will serve as a research tool to support, among others, the monitoring and
management of disasters like floods, oil spills and fires. During Astronomy
Month the Department of Science and Technology promotes and endorses astronomy
research and researchers in the country. It also aims to bring the
understanding of the universe into the homes and lives of everyday people.
Astronomy is growing in popularity around the world and is not confined to the
stereotypical "male only" science field.
The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) is
co-ordinating astronomy-promoting activities at science centres and platforms
around the country during this month. The significance of a solar eclipse, a
meteor or solar flares, the reason for studying galaxies millions of kilometres
away and the practical impact of understanding the dynamics of black holes,
white holes and wormholes are but a few of the astronomy topics that will be
placed under the spotlight. In turn, this will assist in developing sustainable
student work plans and source funding for research and development.
In another development, science and culture meet will meet at the Menlyn
Centre in Pretoria on Saturday when a celebrity concert, 'Reach for the Stars'
will take place. Learners will sing the planet song to Hip Hop music and the
Kids in the Sky song. The festivities will start at 13h00 and will include a
celebrity fashion parade.
Various other activities will take place during October and will be
presented at the Boyden Observatory in Bloemfontein, The Old Mutual Science
Centre in Durban and the MTN Science Centre in Cape Town, while Sci-fest will
offer various presentations in Bloemfontein, Kroonstad, Sasolburg, Klerksdorp
and Potchefstroom for tertiary learners and students. Mangena says space
technology is an indispensable tool for the development of South Africa and
Africa.
"By co-ordinating the intellectual resources of our national space
programmes, the collective impact of these initiatives can greatly enhance
those programmes and activities far beyond the scope of any single African
country. This receives special attention during Space Week in Astronomy Month,"
he says.
For more information contact:
Ms Celeste Tema
Tel: 012 843 6784
Cell: 083 399 0765
E-mail: celeste.tema@dst.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
4 October 2007
