THE DIGITAL DIVIDE AND SPACE ACTIVITIES IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE(S): A GENERAL OVERVIEW OF AFRICA AND SOUTH AMERICA

摘要

Africa and South America share some commonalities, but are quite different in many respects.Both continents had several thriving indigenous cultures prior to their being colonized by mostlyEuropean settlers. The legacies left by the colonizers are quite different, but in the 21st century,there may be some convergence, particularly in respect to some space activities.Communication and remote-sensing satellites, and internet access have played a key rolein the last 20 years in bringing the benefits (and some of the ills) of industrialization andglobalization to even the most remote areas in the southern hemispheres. International andnational satellite systems, whether for communications or earth observation, have influenced theirdevelopment. In turn, countries in the southern hemispheres have also had an impact in thedevelopment of space policies and regulations.This paper will set forth what seem to be common issues, as well as issues on which thereare differences between Africa and South America. It will also examine various attempts to unifythe countries in these respective continents, the result of some of these efforts, and their impact onthe development of space activities in Africa and South AmericaWill the digital divide prevail, or will it decrease with the availability and adoption ofnew technologies in the southern hemispheres? Will these help bridge or grow the gap betweenthe "haves" and the "have-nots" on either side of the digital divide?