International cooperation among space-faring countries of Africa

Abstract

The early years of space exploration were years of rivalry, panic and determination. Today, the question of having “a chance of beating the Soviets by putting a laboratory in space” or “any other space program which promises dramatic result in which we could win”, has passed on. The cooperative efforts of nations in the construction and operation of the International Space Station finally put an end to national ambition of states in space exploration. Emphasis is now on international cooperation and collaboration in journeys to the Moon, Mars and other destinations in the solar system. However, a question that needs to be asked is, “to what extent do the space-faring countries of Africa collaborate and cooperate among themselves and/or with other technologically developed nations of the world in the exploration and development of the space frontiers?” This work traces briefly the history of space exploration, dwelling more on “space age” and “space race”. It discusses international cooperation drawing emphasis from the United Nations Charter and other documents dwelling on international cooperation. It further talks about the benefits of international cooperation, using the International Space Station as a case study. It then focuses on the space programs of the space-faring and developing countries of Africa and the need for them to collaborate and cooperate among themselves and with other technologically developed nations of the world. It ends with a conclusion and some recommendations.