12 – 15 July 2011; Islamabad, Pakistan
Introduction
Islamic Network on Space Sciences and Technology (ISNET), OIC Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) and Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) are collaborating to hold an Expert Meeting for Development of Data sharing platform and Technical Experience-sharing for Cost-effective Operation and Maintenance of National Satellite Earth Stations from 12 – 15 July 2011 in Islamabad, Pakistan. The meeting hopes to develop cooperation among OIC countries for space-related programs as well as for knowledge-sharing and capacity-building in Satellite ground and earth station operations.
Background
Satellite technology plays an important role in the socio-economic progress of a country. Whereas acquiring satellite services from commercial satellites is a viable option for many countries, owning and operating satellite earth stations (for communications satellites) and ground stations (for earth observation satellites) can accrue immense benefits to nations through timely provision of data for myriad applications such as disaster relief, crop monitoring and various other applications needing continuous updated imagery as well as enhancing TV broadcasting and communication services within the country.
Since many states in the OIC do not have earth and ground receiving stations, joint data sharing and collaborative projects can provide a way forward for their development and progress. The meeting will look into the possibilities of collaboration in data sharing and cost-effective maintenance and utilization of existing facilities for the mutual benefit of the participating countries.
Objectives
The broad objective of the meeting is to develop cooperation among OIC countries in space-related programs. To achieve this objective the meeting will seek to:
· Familiarize participants with satellite data acquisition, pre-processing, processing and archiving systems and value added processing techniques and services
· Provide a platform for discussing prospective partnerships and collaborative projects between OIC countries
· Provide a forum for sharing of knowledge on operational management of satellite earth and ground stations to help participants tackle operational problems
· Identify and list viable projects which could be undertaken jointly by OIC member countries with regards to data and expertise sharing
· Identify potential areas in which capacity-building and development is required
· Establish focal points for collaborative activities
Scope
Experts from space related organisations of OIC countries will present technical papers and discuss operational and maintenance problems and solutions of satellite earth and ground station operations and data processing techniques. Proposals from the participants on promoting cooperation among participating countries will also be discussed.
The focus of the meeting will be discussion on activities of ground segments of remote sensing and communication satellites including communication with satellite; tasking and controlling of satellite; downloading of satellite telemetry; processing and archiving; backup procedures; and trouble shooting in case of operational problems.
The meeting would cover, but will not be limited to, the following:
· Satellite data acquisition-principles and practices
· Multi-satellite processing software and catalogue databases
· Satellite programming and optimum tasking
· Geometric correction procedures – best practices
· Data archiving and web-based data dissemination
· Spatial Database Infrastructure (SDI) and Geo-portal
· DEM, terrain modeling and flythrough
· System architecture, design and operational interfaces of a satellite ground station
· System architecture and design of a satellite earth station
· Operation and maintenance of fixed and mobile earth stations
· Link budget analysis – workshop
· Remote sensing satellite applications and services – potential use of EO data for disaster monitoring, mapping and other thematic applications
· communication satellite applications and services – satellite communications for tele-education, tele-health etc
· S-band Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TTC) of low earth orbit satellites
Event layout
Day 1
§ Inauguration ceremony and keynote address
§ Presentations on operations of ground segment of communications and earth observation satellites
Day 2
§ Working Group meeting on operations and maintenance of satellite earth and ground stations
§ Working Group meeting on different options available for establishment of ground / earth stations
§ Discussion on Institutional mechanism for Geo-information data sharing and policy framework
Day 3
§ Briefing on Satellite Ground Station technology, operations and services
§ Visit to Satellite Ground Station, Islamabad
§ Discussion on possible collaboration
Day 4
§ Identifying potential joint projects and capacity building areas
§ Discussions on the way forward for countries that do not have satellite earth / ground stations
§ Conclusion and recommendations
Language of the meeting
The language of the meeting shall be English.
Participation and Attendance
Participants will be expected to make presentations on any of the topics listed in the scope of the meeting or suggest proposals for collaboration. Interested individuals from pertinent public sector agencies can also attend.
Submission of reports/ presentations/proposals
Reports and proposals in MS Word accompanied by presentations in MS Power Point, a completely filled application form, and scanned copies of first four pages of passport should be submitted by 23 May 2011 to the event coordinator. Confirmation of participation shall be made only after the receipt and acceptance of reports / proposals and presentation.
Event Coordinator
Ms Tasleem Raheel
Sector 28, Gulzar-e-Hijri
Off University Road, P.O.Box 8402
Karachi 75270, Pakistan
Tel: +92 21 34654304, 34690765-79 Ext. 2234
Fax: +92 21 34694941, 34644928
Email:
Important dates
Last date for submission of report/proposals and presentations / 23 May 2011Intimation of selection / 01 June 2011
Event dates / 12 – 15 July 2011
Sponsorship
COMSTECH / ISESCO and ISNET will offer a limited number of full or partial sponsorships for participants from OIC member countries. To apply for sponsorship, candidates must submit a letter of recommendation from the head of their organisation along with the application form to ISNET.
Venue and Accommodation
The meeting will be held at COMSTECH Secretariat in Islamabad. Accommodation shall also be arranged at COMSTECH Secretariat’s hostel.
Life and Health Insurance
Participants are advised to obtain travel and health insurance on their own or at their parent organisation’s expense.
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