2006: The Year Gone By...
China’s Compass
The Chinese announcement to build its own satellite navigation system called Compass made the space fraternity sit up and take notice. It is seen as an attempt by China to decrease its dependence on USA’s GPS and Russia’s GLONASS. It will also allow China to strengthen its hegemony in the Asian region. China’s space-systems are designed to consolidate the burgeoning Chinese economy and improve its military might, serving a dual purpose. Firstly, a powerful satellite navigation system will not just provide enhanced services to the Chinese people but also exploit the growing telecommunications market in the neighbouring countries. Most of these countries today, are dependent on GPS and GLONASS for providing navigation information. Secondly, in the modern world, space technologies are becoming vital for launching missile attacks, acquiring intelligence inputs, navigation and for command and control. Thus, China sees enormous benefits accruing from building its very own satellite aided navigation system.
The Galileo Joint Undertaking [GJU] had shut down operation by the end of 2006, and Galileo Supervisory Authority [GSA] would take over the charge which would limit the access for China along with Israel as GSA membership will be closed for non-European countries. Only time will tell whether China succeeds in its grand plans or not. But, the coming years promise to be exciting, with the GPS, Galileo, Compass and other regional navigation systems all fighting for a share in the satellite navigation system pie.
China: News in 2006
For China, the year 2006, was a happening one in terms of satellite launches, announcement of future plans along with application of geospatial technologies.In March 2006, it announced its plans to launch 18 land observation satellites in the next ten years. China's first space launch of the year came on April 27, when it launched Remote Sensing Satellite-1. China's National Bureau of Oceanography, launched an oceanic environment survey on July 15 to probe the conditions of its maritime space. For the first time, the country sent into orbit a recoverable "seed satellite" specially designed for seed-breeding in space. China has also completed a 1:50000 database for the national fundamental GIS. China has started applying remote and GPS to ascertain the actual length of the Great Wall of China.
Asia and Africa
The year 2006 was a remarkable year in terms of satellite launches by various countries in the Asian region. Japan launched the ASTRO-F Infrared Astronomical satellite on February 22,2006, to map the sky using infrared wavelengths. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the 22nd Scientific Satellite (SOLAR-B) on September 23, 2006. Japanese scientists believe the satellite would help them understand the origin and consequences of active phenomena that take place in the sun's corona by surveying the visible surface of the sun. Earlier, on September 11, Japan launched its third intelligence-gathering satellite to enhance its ability to monitor neighbouring North Korea, two months after Pyongyang shocked the region with a barrage of missile tests. Similarly,
South Korea had launched Arirang-2, a high resolution satellite that provides visual data of North Korea three times a day, on July 28, 2006. On the same day, it also launched KOMPSAT-2 Earth observation satellite that would provide VHR imagery for South Korea’s needs in mapping, urban planning and hazard management. The Korean administration also began overhauling its national mapping system. Its largest open source national digital map database will meet international standards by using digital street map and address.
Vietnam will also be joining the satellite owners league soon when it launches its first communication satellite, Vinasat, in 2008. In May,
Indiam made public, its plans of building the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). IRNSS will provide an independent, indigenously developed constellation of satellites to provide satellite-based position, navigation and timing service for critical national applications. The proposed IRNSS, which will consist of a constellation of eight satellites, is likely to be operational in six years time.
In the African realm,
Nigeria dominated the news headlines. On May 10, 2006, it announced its proposed 25-year plan to venture into space technology by manufacturing and locally launching its own satellite.
South Africa too joined the 'Space Race', started by Nigeria five years ago, by announcing that it plans to have it very own space agency in a year or two to promote cutting edge technology, including satellite development.