Abstract

It is difficult to imagine applications of space-based technologies that do not emphasize in especially clear fashion both the promise and the inherent difficulties of technology transfer. A confluence of events, situations, and circumstances has created an environment where space technology provides a bridge across the cultures of virtually every space-faring nation. The complexities of technology transfer are often magnified by the culture of the nation developing the technology. This situation was clear in the efforts of both the Soviet Union (now Russia) and the United States to develop the first space programs. As additional nations or nation groups have developed their own space-based technology programs, each has continued to encounter a variety of culturally based technology transfer challenges. With varying degrees of seriousness, each issue has the ability to dramatically affect the overall effort to use space-based technology beyond its point of origin. With national space programs beginning to integrate into an international effort, the future of space-based technologies is just beginning to realize its potential. This paper explores some of the applied implications of culture, specifically by looking at the United States, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, and European space programs. The important linkage for this paper is between the major national space programs and how their respective national culture or cultures influence, direct, or perhaps just flavor their programs' approach toward technology issues.

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