Space Technology Status in Lao PDR

Singthong KHAMONEDeputy Director

Space and Terrestrial Affairs DivisionSpace Technology Department (DST)

National Authority for Science and Technology (NAST)Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR

Overview

• Country Profile

• Government Policy on Space Technology

• Space Technology Application in Lao PDR

• Ongoing Activities

Country Profile Lao People’s Democratic Republic

• Land area: 236,800 sq. km,• Population: 6,000,000,• Capital : Vientiane ( population 600,000 ),• Covered by forest: 43.3%,• Mountainous 70 %,• Ethnics: 49 and 4 language groups (24.11.2008), • Official Language: Lao,• Currency: Kip ( 1 US$= 8,004 Kip ),• Economy: Agriculture, Forestry, Hydro-electric,

Mine, Services.

Government Policy on Space Technology

The Department of Space Technology (DST) has been set up in April 2008 under the National Authority for Science and Technology (NAST) under the Prime Minister’s Office by the Decree No. 401/PMO-NAST, dated 21 March 2008.

DST is mandated to the overall Management and Administration of Space Technology in Lao PDR.

DST consist of 3 Divisions:1. General Affairs Division.2. Space and Terrestrial Affairs Division.3. Service Management Division.

Government Policy on Space Technology

Role and Functions:

- Research and draft the policy, strategy and variouslegislation for management ,development and application of Space Technology : Remote Sensing(RS), Geographic Information System(GIS) and Global Position System(GPS)

- Reserve, manage, protect and utilize the orbital slot and lao satellite Transponders,

- Manage and apply Lao PDR Satellite Control Center(SCC)

- Promote Space Technology Application for education, research and development RS,GIS GPS

Government Policy on Space Technology

Role and Functions:

- Promote Space Technology Application for education, research and development RS,GIS GPS to serve socio-economic development,

- Promote the research and development for construction the rocket and satellite,

- Set up the database on space technology for exchange with domestic and international organization,

- Development human resource on space technology for various sector both central and local level,

Government Policy on Space Technology

Role and Functions:

- Coordinate, meet, negotiate and cooperate with various organizations both domestic and international in the field of Space Technology,

- Study and analyze the rule and regulations of relevant regional and international organizations in the field of Space Technology in order to apply for a member of the latter,

- Sign the agreement, minute of meeting and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with various organizations in the field of Space Technology.

Space Technology Application in Lao PDR

- Many Ministries and Organizations used the Space Technology in various fields such as:

Ministry of Information and Culture, (Radio, TV),Ministry of Agriculture and forestry(Forest Dept),Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Information Dept),Ministry of Education and Sports,Ministry of Science and Technology,Ministry of Post and Telecommunication ,Ministry of industry and Commerce,Ministry of Public Work and Transportations,

Space Technology Application in Lao PDR

Ministry of Public Health (Tele-health),

Ministry of Energy and Mines(Geology Dept),

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment( Meteorology Dept, RS Center),

National Bank of Lao PDR,

National Geographic Department,

Mekong River Commission.

International Cooperation onSpace Technology Application

1. UNOOSA2. UNESCAP3. APRSAF4. JAXA5. APSCO6. SCOSA7. GISTDA8. NARIT

Ongoing Activities

• Preparatory phase for Lao Satellite Communication:- Collect and analyze the data for socio-economic benefit.- Reserve the orbital slot and frequencies.- Restore Satellite Control Center (SCC).- Cooperate with international companies.

• Cooperate with GISTDA to use map from satellite fortourist service in the World Heritage City, Luangprabang.

• Cooperate with NARIT on Astronomy Seminar for School Teachers in Vientiane Capital.

THANK YOU