ASEAN Space Programs: History and Way Forward

This book presents the first-ever comprehensive analysis of ASEAN space development programs. Written by prominent actors in the region, it goes beyond a mere exposé of the history, current status and future plans of ASEAN space technology development and utilization programs, by analyzing the conditions in which a space program can be initiated in the region. It does so in two ways: on the one hand, it questions the relevance of and motivations behind the inception of space development programs in developing countries, and on the other hand, it focuses on the very specific context of ASEAN (a highly disaster-prone area shaped by unique political alliances with a distinctive geopolitical ecosystem and enormous economic potential, etc.). Last but not least, after having analyzed established and emerging space programs in the region, it provides concrete recommendations for any regional or extra-regional developing nation eager to gain a foothold in space. As such, this book offers a valuable resource for researchers and engineers in the field of space technology, as well as for space agencies and government policymakers.

Quentin Verspieren is Assistant Professor at the Science, Technology, and Innovation Governance (STIG) program of the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Public Policy and Associate Research Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI). His research primarily focuses on space policymaking and technology development in developing countries and on international regime-making for space security, safety and sustainability. In addition, he serves as General Manager for Global Strategy at ArkEdge Space Inc., a micro/nano-satellite manufacturing start-up company in Tokyo, Japan. Dr. Verspieren has two master’s degrees in aerospace engineering (ISAE-SUPAERO and the University of Tokyo) and a Ph.D. in public policy (the University of Tokyo). 

Maximilien Berthet is Ph.D. Researcher in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics of the University of Tokyo. His research focuses on the utilization of natural perturbations in the space environment for easier space science and navigation. In parallel with his technical research, Mr. Berthet is leading a space capacity building collaboration between the University of Tokyo and the Institute of Technology of Cambodia. He holds a master’s degree in Aeronautics from the University of Durham and a master’s degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the University of Tokyo.  

Giulio Coral received his Ph.D. and M.Eng. degrees from the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics of the University of Tokyo and his B.Sc. from the University of Padua. His research interests include various topics in electric and chemical propulsion technology, among which the plasma dynamics of the μ10 ion thruster is used in the Hayabusa missions, as well as novel hybrid electrochemical thrusters. Together with his engineering research, he has been involved in the study of space policy in Southeast Asia. He is currently working as Space Propulsion Engineer at ThrustMe (France). 

Shinichi Nakasuka graduated from the University of Tokyo in 1983 and obtained a Ph.D. in aeronautics and astronautics in 1988.  He worked at IBM Research from 1988 to 1990 and then returned to the University of Tokyo’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, as Lecturer in 1990, before becoming Associate Professor, and then Professor in 2004. He is Member of the Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences (JSASS), the Society of Instrument and Control Engineers (SICE) and the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), Former Chairperson of the Aerospace Technical Committee of the International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC), and current President of the international NPO University Space Engineering Consortium (UNISEC-Global). His main research areas include micro/nano/pico-satellites, autonomy, and intelligence for space systems, novel space systems, and guidance, navigation, and control of spacecraft. He successfully developed and launched 13 micro/nano/pico-satellites, including the world’s first CubeSat. He is also Member of National Space Policy Committee of the Government of Japan.