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INTRODUCTION |
The benefits of space technology, both direct and indirect, have introduced new dimensions into the study and understanding of Earth's processes and in improving the quality of life for the people living on it. All countries should have access to space technology and must share the benefits. An essential pre-requisite to partaking in these opportunities is the building of various indigenous capacities for the development and utilization of space science and technology. In recognition such a prerequisite, a consensus has emerged within the International community that if effective assimilation and appropriate application of space technology are to succeed in the developing countries, devoted effort must be made at the local level, for the development of necessary high-level knowledge expertise in space technology fields. Towards this end, the United Nations General Assembly had called for the establishment of Centres for Space Science and Technology Education at the regional level in the developing countries.
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THE CENTRE FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC |
 The Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (CSSTEAP), affiliated to UN, was established in India in November 1995. The Centre's campus is established in Dehradun, India around the infrastructure available at the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Dehradun which is a part of the National Remote Sensing Centre (nrsc), Department of Space, Govt. of India. For fulfilling its programs the Centre has arrangements with IIRS as host institution for programs related to Remote Sensing & GIS. The Centre has also arrangements with Space Applications Centre (SAC) Ahmedabad, playing as host- institution for programs related to Satellite Communications, Satellite Meteorology and Physical Research Laboratory
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GOALS OF THE CENTRE |
 The Centre is an education and research institution that is capable of high attainments in the development and transmission of knowledge in the fields of space science and technology. The Centre offers best possible education, research, applications and on the job experience and hands on experience to its participants in all its programs. Thus, the principal goal of the Centre is to develop skills and Knowledge for university faculty as well as scientists / engineers working in the field. This is achieved through rigorous theory, research, applications, field exercises and pilot projects in those aspects of space science and technology that can enhance social and economic development in each country.
These programs will aim at the development of indigenous capability for participating countries, in designing and implementing space-based research and application programs. The Centre will also foster continuing education programs for its graduates, and awareness programs for policy, and decision-makers and the general public.
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AFFILIATION TO THE UNITED NATIONS |
The Centre has entered into a cooperative agreement with the United Nations which states that the United Nations will cooperate with the Centre by providing expert advice, educational curricula, technical support, necessary documentation and other appropriate support.
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EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME |
 The educational program of the Centre is oriented towards the dissemination of knowledge in relevant aspects of space science and technology. The initial emphasis of the Centre is to concentrate on in-depth education, research and applications programs, linkages to the global programs/databases, execution of pilot projects, continuing education and awareness and appraisal programs. Scholars and professionals who contribute to the educational program are renowned experts in their respective fields from both within and outside the region.
The Centre offers Post Graduate level courses in the fields of :
- Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (RS and GIS)
- Satellite Communications (SATCOM)
- Satellite Meteorology and Global Climate (SATMET)
- Space and Atmospheric Sciences
The details of the educational modules have been finalized based on the curriculum developed under the auspices of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UN-OOSA) and the guidelines emerging from the meeting held for Education Curriculum Development for the Centre at Granada, Spain in February/March 1995. These Curricula are reviewed by an International Advisory Committee of CSSTEAP from time to time. Besides post graduate level courses, the Centre also conducts short courses/workshops on the above subjects in specific themes.
The courses are organised in two phases :
 Phase-I (In India)
- Core Modules, where the emphasis is on the development and enhancement of the knowledge and skills of university educators, research and application scientists.
- Pilot-Project, oriented towards planning and executing project to be carried out in the home country as part of Phase-II.
Phase-II (In home country)
- Research Project for scholars to conduct and execute projects in their respective countries with a view to transfer the technology in his/her organisation. It will also be a test of the methodology assimilated during phase-I at the centre.
Few meritorious students will be awarded one more year fellowship to complete their one year research work at CSSTEAP, Dehradun, India which may lead to a M. Tech. degree from Andhra University.
The structure of the courses is as follows :
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Area / Discipline |
Phase-I Core Module & Pilot-Project |
Phase-II Project
(In home country) |
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RS and GIS |
9-months |
1-year |
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Satellite Communications |
9-months |
1-year |
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Satellite Meteorology & Global Climate |
9-months |
1-year |
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Space Sciences |
9-months |
1-year |
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PROGRAMMES CONDUCTED |
 The Centre has so far conducted Twenty-three, 9-months post graduate courses, ten on Remote Sensing & Geographic Information System (RS&GIS), five on Satellite Communications (SATCOM), four on Satellite Meteorology (SATMET) and four on Space and Atmospheric Sciences. The centre also conducted seventeen short Courses/Workshops in the last 10 years. These educational programs have benefitted 30 countries in the region and about 681 scholars have been benefitted from the program. Eleventh RS & GIS course at IIRS Dehradun, Fifth SATMET and Space science courses at SAC and PRL, Ahmedabad, respectively are in progress.
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COURSE RECOGNITION |
CSSTEAP has arrangement with Andhra University (Estd. 1926) Vishakhapatnam, India for M. Tech Degree subject to the eligibility criteria of the Andhra University. After successfully completing the CSSTEAP nine months P.G. Diploma course candidate should complete one year project work successfully. The terms and conditions of this arrangement is subject to review from time to time. |
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