Islamsat: a technologically advanced system for efficient charting of natural resources

Abstract

The landmasses encompassing the Muslim world have vast resources contained in every conceivable type of terrain, from for-rested mountains to plains and deserts. These landmasses enclose such valuable resources as fertile soil and minerals and oil. Islamic countries also encompass numerous water bodies of lakes and rivers. However, except in a few cases, most of these resources have not been efficiently utilized. The scarcity or lack of basic data have hampered the effective utilization of these resources. First and foremost, accurate topographic maps and detailed photographs are required to survey, assess and develop these resources. Conventional methods of photo acquisition and map making are no longer viable because of the time and expense they require to do the job. In the meantime, space-age techniques offer new ways to reduce the time, cost and expertise that are required of the efficient charting of natural resources. It is here proposed that Islamic countries join together to initiate a plan to launch a resource survey satellite within five years. The satellite here named Islamsat is to obtain high resolution, stereo, mapping quality photographs from space. The most suitable photographic systems for such a satellite are: (1) a high resolution panoramic camera; (2) a topographic quality mapping; and (3) a six-lens multispectral camera. Such a complement camera of photographic systems can either be mounted on the Space Shuttle cargo bay or launched by the Shuttle as a free-flying satellite, with film return capability. The use of such technologically advanced methods and techniques assures the acquisition of the necessary data for development of the resources of Islamic countries in a timely and cost-effective manner.