Introduction

Fair access to space is a key goal for many developing countries. To support this goal, countries are working more closely together. One result is a partnership between the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Through the KiboCUBE program, this partnership is making space technology easier to access. The program allows universities that lack space technology to design, build, and launch CubeSats, a type of miniature, low-cost satellite, from the International Space Station (ISS). In Africa, the African Development Satellite Project and the African Space Agency (AfSA) also help develop equal access to space technology. AfSA brings together countries and their resources. Thus, the region shows strength and cooperation by collaborating. At the same time, they continue to build their own space capabilities. Together, these efforts contribute to promoting equal access to space technology today.

The Growing Influence of KiboCUBE 

The UNOOSA-JAXA KiboCUBE program has helped developing countries take part in space for the past decade. The partnership is a major international effort. This year, KiboCube has opened its ninth round of applications. Through the program, they have invited new ideas to progress space technology and research. KiboCube covers costs for some countries and offers additional development help. The hope is to remove barriers that keep developing countries out of space. UNOOSA promotes KiboCube, as it follows the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It does so by helping countries build their scientific and technological capabilities. By sharing training and resources, KiboCube helps expand access to space and empowers countries.

The application process is open and easy to follow for developing countries. It also sets clear rules and expects strong work. Any institution may apply with approval from its government. Applicants must submit proposals that explain their mission goals, satellite designs, and how the project will support their country’s development. The program also asks teams to think about the long term. Teams chosen will receive support from both UNOOSA and JAXA. This help includes engineering reviews, safety testing, and satellite integration with the Japanese Experiment Module on the ISS. Such support is important for countries that lack resources or trained personnel. Guiding teams through the process helps participants gain lasting skills and experiences that will benefit future space projects at home.

The KiboCUBE program can change one’s future in space. One example is Indonesia. A team from Surya University represented the country for one year. During the program, the team deployed Surya Satellite-1 from the ISS. This was Indonesia’s first project of this kind, but it would not be its last. The satellite carried an automatic packet reporting system (APRS). This allowed two-way messaging through radio signals. Now, Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN) hopes to continue this success and plans to work with the government, private companies, and universities. Their goal is to continue to grow Indonesia’s space sector.

Currently, Indonesia faces limited infrastructure. However, the long-term goal is to improve communication across the country. The project also shows how even small satellites can support national goals, especially since CubeSats are useful for remote areas. Since the launch, Surya’s team has published their research, and their work has helped strengthen Indonesia’s space research.

The African Development Satellite Program 

While KiboCUBE shows the value of global partnerships, Africa’s space development highlights the need for regional cooperation. The African Development Satellite Project (ADSP) is an important step forward for the continent. The project brings together Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan, and Uganda to build an Earth Observation CubeSat. The countries share resources to help collect more data. Africa has more than 120 satellites planned or in progress for launch by 2030. This shows the continent’s investment in its space program. The goal is to build skills and facilities for long-term space work. ADSP is the key for the region because many countries cannot participate alone. Working together, they can share strengths and weaknesses. ADSP helps countries overcome their financial and technical challenges to reach space together.

The need for space technology became clear after a broken submarine cable caused internet outages in March 2024. This impacted 13 West African countries. Businesses, banks, and other government services stopped working. Millions of people lost access to important digital platforms. Satellite systems like Starlink and Nigeria’s NigComSat provided internet to the region. The event was a wake-up call. Land-based infrastructure can fail from accidents or attacks, but space systems offer reliability. Joining the ADSP allows each country to have access to its own satellite data, which could prevent similar disasters. Data can also be useful for environmental monitoring, agriculture, disaster response, and planning. ADSP also supports education on space. Many contributors are students or young professionals. Through the program, they are learning skills that will guide future space programs across the continent.

Conclusion

Together, KiboCUBE and ADSP show how international aid and regional collaboration can help countries that have not yet built space programs. KiboCUBE continues to assist countries in launching satellites. Its ninth round of applications continues to open doors. The ADSP shows how countries can work together to reach a shared goal of accessing space. These programs complement each other and support long-term development at both national and international levels. The move toward equal access to space is lowering barriers that once blocked progress. As more countries join similar programs, space becomes more inclusive. It gives people the chance to learn, grow, and contribute to science. It also brings the world closer to a future where space is open to everyone.

Bibliography

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