(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
Joelyn Baluyut
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The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: Qatar has the potential to establish its own space agency, according to Jim Adams, a retired NASA Deputy Chief Technologist.
“If there's a rising interest in the public, Qatar would do well to set up maybe their own space agency, or maybe their space awareness agency, or they partner with the UAE or with India, or maybe even NASA. I think, you know, in the long run, programmes like this can only serve to make Qatar better,” Adams told The Peninsula.
Adams, along with other experts, facilitated the inaugural Katara Space Science Programme (KSSP), which concluded last week at Al Thuraya Planetarium in the cultural village.
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Currently, there are 78 operational government space agencies worldwide, comprising 71 national space agencies and seven international agencies. These organizations are established by governments or regional groupings to promote and participate in activities related to outer space, space system exploitation, and space exploration.
When asked about the programme's potential influence on students, with over 400 participating in the three-day event, Adams highlighted the broader benefits of space education.
“When I tell people it doesn't matter if these students go into the space industry, they will still be inspired to work on their science skills, their math skills, their project management skills. All of these are skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. We're using space as a good reason to sharpen those skills.”
Adams also shared advice for students:“I told the students yesterday that at this stage in their lives, they can't make a bad decision about their future. They should focus on what interests them, what they find they have skills in, and what they are adept at. They should follow those interests and pursue them.”
“As years go by, they'll go to college or university, pick a major, maybe even double major, and then get a job. They may change jobs, and their focus will shift throughout their lives. The important thing at this age is developing those skills that will support them for the rest of their lives.”
The KSSP aims to develop space science education and promote scientific research. It targets students, researchers, institutions, and community members, providing a unique opportunity to interact with leading space scientists and agencies worldwide.
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