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Introduction
The
first space missions were primarily motivated by
military and scientific objectives. But soon afterwards
the utility of space became apparent, with developments
and applications following soon in communications
and Earth observation. Global positioning seems
to be the latest area of active space utility development.
Launching and space propulsion, as a necessary
component of any space mission, have always remained
at the forefront of general space endeavors. The
vision and mission statements of all major national
and international space agencies point out that
space activities are supported because of major
economic and social benefits expected in the long
run if not in the near future. In other words they
stress the role of space in the service of society. |
Disaster of Muzaffarabad city caused by 8th October
2005, Earthquake
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Institute
of Geographical Information Systems (IGIS), National University
of Sciences and Technology (NUST) presented one research
paper in RAST2005 (Recent Advances
in Space Technologies) held in Istanbul at Turkish Air Force Academy
(09-11 June 2005) in technical cooperation of IEEE/AESS/GRSS.
The
topics have been segregated into two broader streams
following the newly created joint chapter of two IEEE societies namely
IEEE/AESS (Aerospace and Electronic System Society),
and IEEE/GRSS (Geosciences and Remote Sensing Society)
in IEEE-Islamabad section:
Major Streams
- Disaster
Management and Space Technologies
- Space
Technologies and
Communications
- Geographical
Information Systems
- Remote
Sensing /Image Processing and Applications
Geosciences
and Remote Sensing Stream
- New
remote sensing technologies and applications i.e...
hyper spectral sensing, SAR, applications in meteorology,
environment, agriculture, etc
- Integrated Geo-Information Technologies (GIT) development and application
in various fields (Remote Sensing+GPS+GIS etc.)
- Space
in the service of prediction, mitigation, monitoring
of natural disasters, (earthquakes, floods, forest
fires etc.)
- Scientific
applications, near Earth space, deep space, microgravity
sciences
Aerospace and Electronic System Stream
- Developments
in global positioning, especially regarding GALILEO,
but also GPS, GLONASS
- Developments
in new space communication techniques, higher frequencies
and bandwidths
- Novel
techniques in space propulsion, hybrid, electric,
microwave laser, ion, solar wind etc.
- New
launch systems and ventures, especially for small
spacecraft
- How
space technologies may help fight terrorism and
contribute to security
- Small
satellites, micro, nano and pico satellites, cubesat
developments
- Energy
from Space
- Miniaturization,
particularly MEMS and nanotechnology
- New
and novel instrumentation for various spacecraft
functions,
including attitude determination and control,
power management, communication etc.
- Satellite
intelligence and autonomy
- New
computer systems and applications regarding space
missions
Other Relevant Topics
- International
cooperation in space, activities of international
space organizations
- Economics
and business of space projects, direct ROI and
spinoffs
- Social,
educational and other benefits of space
- Space
Law
- Space
Medicine
Following
the model of RAST 2005, ICAST-2006 as a biennial
event has been planned with full support of IEEE-
Islamabad Section and IEEE/AESS/GRSS, USA. It
will be conducted on even years. The main
emphasis of ICAST 2006 would be to
explore potentials and constraints in the space technologies development
and applications in in the world and Pakistan adopting
a specific theme each time. It will be of
the premier events in Pakistan to review space technology developments
especially those on the way to near future deployment.
It will involve all the interest
groups and stake-holders in public and private sectors. The idea was finalized
in IEEE-Islamabad Section Special Meeting: Mini-symposium-Pak-AST (Pakistan Advances in Space Technologies) held
on 24th December 2005.
Goals and Objectives
The goals of ICAST-2006 are:
- To open
a dialogue to explore the existing strength and
advances of space technologies in the world and
Pakistan with particular reference to the specific
theme, and the possibility of how space technologies
can be strengthened through public private partnership.
- How
the resources can be generated to help the local
professionals in organizing new and
innovative activities with the help of
international organization and experts that
will benefit them.
Target Audience
The target audience for ICAST-2006 includes:
- Remote
Sensing and GIS Professionals, Engineers, Academicians,
space company managers, businessmen, educators,
government officials and students.
- Participants
from space agencies, especially from those organizations
with space faring aspirations.
Techniques, technologies and projects in earth observation, navigation,
communication and propulsion will be welcomed as listed more specifically
above.
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