EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES FOR TURKEY AND OTHER NATIONS IN THE REGION: APPLICATIONS OF A SUCCESSFUL SPACE PROGRAM FOR THE PUBLIC

摘要

If we take manned mission capability as an index, then currently only USA, Russia and China's space programs has this capability and it seems it will continue like this for nearly a decade. However, national programs are also important for the required advancements in space technology as only collective efforts can be of help in reaching greater heights in space exploration and development. Turkey's space program has also been taking off in the last decade with the help of Chinese space agency in launching Turkey's newest satellite Gokturk. However, the most important factor comes with the possibility of using the space program for disaster management in the area. It is well known that Turkey lies in a highly active seismic zone and as a result, it can be important to have international cooperation space programs that can have the effect of preventing and managing various disasters in the nearby region. Earthquakes and other disasters has struck the region where Turkey resides which has effected other nearby countries as well. Several observations suggest that many of these disasters could have been minimized with more effective space remote sensing satellites and protocols. The newest studies in seismic activity and change in magnetic fields of the upper atmosphere give lot of hope for similar situations. Using advanced remote sensing techniques can help to get sufficient warning in advance and evacuation as well as rescue efforts after a disaster can become more efficient with help from space resources. In achieving this, help from India's and China's space agencies can be sought out due to their experience in these matters. This way, the peaceful use of space technology can also be stimulated and international cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space can be maximized.