Towards International Cooperation and Capacity Building between Space Agencies: A Case of GISTDA and NSPO

Abstract

Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) firmly believes in the synergy of international cooperation and capacity building and is always on a quest to build global knowledge partners. Keeping in mind the growing trend of international cooperation, GISTDA and the National Space Organization (NSPO) of Taiwan will enter into a cooperation agreement that will develop space system engineering in Thailand. The cooperation aims to promote technical activities, human resources development as well as infrastructure development in both countries. Several cooperative activities had already been initiated according to the work plan and an In-flight Systems Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) has also been drawn up and agreed upon by both the agencies. The SETA encompasses the area of satellite operation, satellite and ground maintenance, anomaly handling, instrument calibration and satellite life extension assessment. The execution procedure and budget planning has been taken into consideration and the allotment of resources, both time and money, are planned for. GISTDA has also proposed the timeframe for personnel exchanges and training program to NSPO and the work plan will be put into action as soon as the areas are mutually agreed upon. The paper shall discuss the entire project plans divided into phases with major concentration on the e-aspect of the cooperation. Online training, remote system management and satellite data transfer over the Research and Education Network (REN) for emergency and educational purposes are but a few of the strategic areas covered in this cooperation. Mutual cooperation between the two agencies will help facilitate mission-critical agendas with no visible shortcoming. The paper shall also set precedent for future cooperation between international agencies and discuss how cost saving is achieved with the application of communication technologies.