Relevance and challenges of space science education in developing countries

Abstract

Development in space research activities during the past decades has been responsible to bring about revolutionary concepts and advances in long distance reliable communications, remote sensing of earth's resources and environment, planetary science, astronomy and cosmology. The ever-unfolding future prospects and potentials of the field, which are to be exploited for the well-being of the human race, pose many challenges including educating the masses. The configuration and content of imparting such education at different academic levels vary with the overall promotion of space research activities of a country. It is recognised that no single system of space science education can perhaps be applied uniformly to all countries as local variables are to be considered based on interest, infrastructure, practical experience and availability of trained manpower. The prevailing situation of science education in general and space science education in particular with reference to developing countries is discussed along with suggestions on the necessary means to improve the education programme in this frontier area of great intellectual possibilities.