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Russia Today
21-04-2025
- Science
- Russia Today
Before they become doctors or space engineers, they learn Russian in Africa
There are many facets of the friendship between Russia and Tanzania, but perhaps the most significant is in the realm of education. Over many decades, thousands of Tanzanian students have benefited from scholarships and specialized training offered by the Russian government, stretching from Soviet times to today. Daria Ilienko, the acting director of the Russian Cultural Centre, shared a remarkable statistic with RT: 'The Russian government has long provided opportunities for higher education, and today, over 5,000 graduates are making a difference in their communities back home since the Soviet era.' Russia has a rich history in astronomy and space exploration, having been the first country to send a human into space in April 1961 when it was part of the Soviet Union. It also launched the world's first satellite, Sputnik 1, in 1957. Against this strong background, Tanzanian students have an opportunity to study astronomy and space technology in Russia. This comes at a time when Tanzania is planning to establish a space agency and launch its own satellite to enhance communications, defense, security, research, disaster management, and weather forecasting. Another key area of study for Tanzanian students is agriculture, particularly fertilizer production. Russia is one of the world's top fertilizer producers, competing closely with China, Canada, and Morocco. Tanzanian students are also exploring medicine, engineering, and information technology in Sepetu, one of Tanzania's early elites educated in the USSR, earned a Master of Science in Electronics from the Polytechnic Institute in the 1970s and was among the first Tanzanian students to come to the USSR. He recounts his transformative journey during his time in Russia, highlighting the rich experiences he had with the language and culture during his stay in Moscow. Upon arrival, Bernard faced a daunting challenge: a complete lack of familiarity with the Russian language. Despite his multilingual background, which included Kiswahili, English, and his native language, the Cyrillic alphabet and Russian phonetics were entirely new to him. 'When the plane touched down, it carried about 100 eager Tanzanian students, ready to embark on their studies in the Soviet Union – a country famed for its educational aid to African nations during that era. We were brimming with excitement, unaware of the linguistic storm that awaited us,' Sepetu recalls. 'I had been taught that English was a global lingua franca, save for a few French-speaking enclaves. So, I naturally assumed that Russian, too, would have some semblance of English. 'Imagine my surprise when the very first Russian official directing us on the plane spoke not a word of English. I could not decipher a single phrase he uttered. The only Russian word I encountered was 'tuda', which I later learned meant 'move.' It was both confusing and fascinating, like discovering a new world through a cryptic code.' 'Stepping out of the plane and into Moscow was like entering a new world,' Sepetu continues. 'The skyline was adorned with magnificent, ornate buildings and the streets thrummed with a vibrancy I had never seen before. Yet, amidst this breath-taking beauty, the language remained an enigma.' Daily life in Moscow was a complex tapestry of gestures and improvisation. Communication often boiled down to non-verbal cues and trial-and-error exchanges. At the local market, Sepetu and his fellow students devised a method to manage transactions despite their limited Russian. 'We received around 90 rubles for daily expenses, but understanding the cost in shillings was tricky. To simplify things, we would give the cashier 10 rubles and receive change. If we needed to make a small additional purchase, managing the payment became a challenge. Nevertheless, the cashiers were always generous and honest, ensuring we received the correct change,' Sepetu Soviet educational system soon recognized the need for a more structured approach to language learning. Sepetu and his peers were immersed in a year-long language course, dedicated entirely to learning Russian. This immersive environment was critical for their academic success, as all lectures and interactions were conducted in Russian. Sepetu's perseverance and the support from his Russian hosts – particularly through social gatherings and friendships – played a significant role in his language acquisition. 'Weekends were often filled with gatherings where we mingled and made friends. These interactions fueled our desire to learn Russian more quickly,' Berbard notes. By the end of the year, Sepetu had achieved a functional grasp of Russian, enabling him to engage effectively with both students and professors. His return to Tanzania in the late 1970s saw him leveraging his Russian language skills in his role at the Russian Cultural Centre. Although his proficiency waned initially, his work in translating academic transcripts and later literary works for Tanzanian students seeking admission to Russian universities kept his skills sharp. 'The process of translation involved meticulous attention to detail. I relied on dictionaries, extensive reading, and clarifications for unfamiliar expressions. With guidance from the Centre, I was able to navigate these challenges,' Sepetu explains. By contrast, Boniface Assenga's experience offers a contemporary glimpse into studying Russian, reflecting both the evolution of educational practices and the enduring challenges of language acquisition. As a projects manager at the Russia's Cultural Centre of the Russian federal agency for international cooperation, 'Rossotrudnichestvo', Assenga embarked on his academic journey with a clear goal: to pursue his dream of becoming a scholar in Russia. Assenga, who studied economics in Russia from 2005 to 2011, began his journey with an intensive year-long language course. The course, supplemented by seminars and small-group classes, provided targeted assistance and clarified complex concepts. Despite the initial difficulties, Assenga's dedication and the supportive environment at the educational institutions played a crucial role in his progress. 'Learning Russian was initially challenging, but the seminars and follow-up classes offered invaluable support. The small groups and attentive lecturers made a significant difference in grasping difficult concepts,' Boniface recalls. Over nearly five years in Russia, Assenga's proficiency in Russian continued to evolve. Daily interactions with native speakers and participation in various events at the center helped him further refine his language skills. 'Even after my initial year of intensive learning, Russian remained a work in progress. Conversations with guests at the center and everyday interactions were essential in expanding my knowledge and improving my fluency,' he says. To address the challenge of language for the first timers in Russia the center has made a lot of strides to teach students the Russian language before they come to Russia for studies. Assenga told RT that recently they have been organizing a program in Dar es Salaam, Tanzaniafor successful candidates where they undergo an eight-month Russian language course at a cultural center to prepare them for their studies and facilitate their integration into Russian society. 'It's essential for students to study the Russian language for eight months because all communication and coursework will be conducted in Russian. Proficiency in the language will also help students secure temporary jobs, providing additional income during their studies,' Assenga emphasizes. This scholarship initiative not only highlights the ongoing educational collaboration between Russia and Tanzania but also aims to equip the next generation of Tanzanian leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive the country's development. Last summer, Russia announced 90 scholarships for Tanzanian students, providing an opportunity to study at some of the nation's leading universities. Boniface Assenga told RT that 90 students had already travelled to Russia to pursue their studies in the universities of Tula, Tomsk, and St. Petersburg, after being admitted for the 2024-2025 academic year. 'This is a fully funded scholarship, covering all tuition costs for the duration of their studies – whether three, four, or five years – fully paid by the Russian government,' Assenga says. The initiative not only reflects the enduring partnership between the two nations but also highlights the transformative power of education. 'We are not taking the best brains [away] from Tanzania; rather, we are fostering their development so that the knowledge they gain abroad can be applied to benefit Tanzania,' Daria Ilienko explains. Boniface Assenga clarifies that while the scholarships cover full tuition, they do not include travel expenses, accommodation, meals, or local transportation. To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants must meet certain academic criteria. Students who have completed their A-levels must have achieved a minimum of Division II, while those seeking to pursue a bachelor's degree must have a diploma with a GPA of at least 3.5. For master's candidates, a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.5 or higher is required, and PhD applicants must possess a master's degree with the same GPA threshold. Applications for scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open. Once prospective students complete their applications, they are encouraged to visit the Russian Cultural Centre to meet with Education and Development Manager Elena Simonova. She will assist with any queries and ensure that all documentation is in order before students submit their applications online. In an interview with RT, Leah Mshana, a graduate from Jenista Mhagama Secondary School eager to seize the scholarship opportunity, expressed her long-standing dream of studying in Russia. 'I learned about the scholarship through my brother, who is currently studying there. His experiences and insights about Russian education have inspired me to excel in my studies and pursue this opportunity. I am determined to apply for the next academic admission.' 'This scholarship initiative not only highlights the ongoing educational collaboration between Russia and Tanzania but also aims to equip the next generation of Tanzanian leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive the country's development forward,' Mshana says.
Arab News
13-04-2025
- Science
- Arab News
KSA strengthens role in global space sector
Riyadh: On the International Day of Human Space Flight, the Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing the benefits of outer space, recognizing its vital role in advancing humanity. This includes developing and implementing national space policies, promoting research and industry, building local expertise, and enhancing cooperation with domestic and international partners, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Celebrated annually on April 12, this day marks the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957 and Yuri Gagarin's historic spaceflight in 1961, which ushered in the space age. The Saudi Space Agency supports Vision 2030 by striving to position the Kingdom as a global hub in the space sector, driving scientific and economic progress through innovation. The agency's priorities include strengthening global partnerships, building national capabilities, fostering innovation, and supporting investment in space sciences, the SPA reported. It promotes growth through innovation, represents the Kingdom in international forums, and boosts research and development to inspire future generations and elevate Saudi Arabia's role in global space exploration. The agency is dedicated to advancing the civil space sector and promoting the peaceful use of space, aiming to establish the Kingdom as a leading regional and global force in space science and technology.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Opinion: AI Education Is the New Space Race. Here's How America Must Respond
The Soviet Union's launch of the Sputnik 1 satellite in 1957 ignited a revival of science education in America. At the time, Americans assumed they were far ahead in a new frontier of science. They were wrong. But Sputnik was a wakeup call. Eventually, the U.S. not only overtook the USSR in the Space Race, but became the premier global hub for STEM research and development. Today, America's assumptions about its technical advantages are being challenged anew. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter China announced recently that all students in Beijing will receive mandatory training in artificial intelligence starting next fall. And the emergence of China's DeepSeek has shown that commonly held assumptions about the U.S.'s technical advantage are once again just that — assumptions. This could be American AI's competitive wakeup call, illustrating that the U.S. needs to dramatically strengthen and expand its approach to AI education. But in this new Space Race, America doesn't have years to catch up. AI advancements are happening at the fastest pace of any innovation in modern history. If we wait, we will lose. Under the Beijing Municipal Education Commission's plan, elementary schoolers will be enrolled in hands-on introductory courses for artificial intelligence, middle schoolers will learn how to apply AI in their schoolwork and daily lives, and high schoolers will focus on strengthening innovation in the field. Related China isn't alone. The governments of Singapore, South Korea, Finland and Canada have all passed initiatives to integrate AI training in children's education. That list will only grow as more nations realize how vital AI will be in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Countries that lead in AI education will subsequently lead in AI-driven economic growth and military advancement. If the U.S. doesn't prioritize AI literacy and readiness, it isn't just setting students up for failure — it's undermining its own economic and national security. By 2030, artificial intelligence will contribute nearly $20 trillion to the global economy. America must stay at the forefront. This means AI literacy — the fundamental understanding of these technological tools — isn't optional. Neither is AI readiness, the ability to leverage those tools to the nation's advantage. Instilling both concepts in America's schools will set the foundation for the future. Admittedly, the structure of the education system in the United States restricts the government's ability to mandate AI courses from the top down, the way China can. But history shows that America's community-based approach can be a catalyst for innovation, especially when states, schools and nonprofits are empowered to collaborate and lead the charge. AI education doesn't need a one-size-fits-all approach; it needs momentum and sharing of what works and what doesn't. If we leave it to each state or school to figure it out on their own, we risk further alienating Americans who fall on the wrong side of the knowledge gap. So, how can U.S. schools get on the right track? First, don't ignore the ongoing technology race. Developments like those in Beijing should spark conversations and action among school district leaders, teachers and parents. Second, recognize AI education as a national priority. Federal officials must discuss AI literacy and readiness as imperative for the nation's economic security and competitiveness. Though economics and education tend to be separate policy discussions, they go hand in hand when it comes to the ability of future generations to participate in an increasingly tech-driven global workforce. Related Third, even without any federal action, states and school districts can and should recognize the importance of AI education and integrate it into their curriculums. This is already happening in places like Ohio, where the state has funded workshops with ongoing training in AI concepts for all educators and its Educational Service Center Association has developed an AI policy toolkit. In Maryland, Prince George's County Public Schools have developed an AI implementation framework. There's also lots of room for nonprofit organizations to pick up the slack on AI education. Organizations like aiEDU (where I work), AIandYou and MIT's RAISE initiative have done a lot of legwork creating pilot programs and teacher training so schools don't have to figure it out from scratch. America must rise to the moment. A year after the Soviets launched the first space satellite in history, Congress passed the National Defense Education Act, which increased funding for education — particularly in science and math. The home-grown scientists and engineers that effort produced strengthened national security, transformed the U.S. into the world's top superpower within a generation and resulted in discoveries that drive computing, medicine and mobile technology to this day. The new technological developments and educational investments in places like China require a similar response. America must push forward to implement AI education that will help the nation prosper and compete in the years ahead.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Vanguard 1 is the oldest satellite orbiting Earth. Scientists want to bring it home after 67 years
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Decades ago during the heady space race rivalry between the former Soviet Union and the United States, the entire world experienced the Sputnik moment when the first artificial satellite orbited the Earth. Sputnik 1's liftoff on Oct. 4, 1957 sparked worries in the U.S., made all the more vexing by the embarrassing and humiliating failure later that year of America's first satellite launch when the U.S. Navy's Vanguard rocket went "kaputnik" as the booster toppled over and exploded. An emotional rescue for America came via the first U.S. artificial satellite. Explorer 1 was boosted into space by the Army on Jan. 31, 1958. Nevertheless, despite setbacks, Vanguard 1 did reach orbit on March 17, 1958 as the second U.S. satellite. And guess what? While Explorer 1 reentered Earth's atmosphere in 1970, the Naval Research Laboratory's (NRL) Vanguard 1 microsatellite is still up there. It just celebrated 67 years of circuiting our planet. NRL remains the owner of the object and the developer of its technology. Vanguard 1 was the first satellite to generate power using solar cells. Today, the satellite is in an elliptical orbit with its perigee roughly at 410 miles (660 kilometers), swinging out to an apogee of approximately 2,375 miles (3,822 kilometers) from Earth, with a 34.25 degree inclination. A team that includes aerospace engineers, historians and writers recently proposed "how-to" options for an up-close look and possible retrieval of Vanguard 1. Snagging the oldest orbiting satellite of any nation would not be easy, but is worthy of further study, the team noted last year at a science and technology conference sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Vanguard 1 is a time capsule of the Space Age, the study group explained. The notion of recovery offered by the team was their own, not necessarily reflecting the view of their organization, Booz Allen Hamilton, a leading advanced technology company that deals with an array of critical defense, civil, and national security issues. Matt Bille, a Booz Allen aerospace research analyst in Colorado Springs, Colorado led the Vanguard 1 salvage scenario research. "We're not the first people to have the idea, and we hope we won't be the last," Bille told "But we'll have to wait and see whether any entities with the needed capability decide the value to them is worth the expenditure." As one would expect, the elder satellite is no longer transmitting, but its whereabouts are known. "Yes, the satellite went silent in 1964," Bille said, "when the output of the solar cells dropped below the power needed to run the transmitter." Publicly available tracking data show Vanguard 1's location and orbit, information that could be used to target higher-resolution sensors, he added. Those sensors might determine whether the satellite is intact and confirm its spinning or tumbling status, said Bille. If Vanguard 1 is recovered and hauled back to Earth, how much could be gleaned from up-close inspection? "Our research indicated possible interest in the condition of the solar cells, batteries, and metals, along with the record of micrometeorite or debris strikes over such a long time," Bille responded. "It would be a record for retrieving an exposed spacecraft." Bille and colleagues have scoped out options for missions and payloads using technology that could safely inspect, and, if desirable, retrieve the satellite for study, then put on display as astronautical archaeology. Vanguard 1 could be placed into a lower orbit for retrieval, for instance, or taken to the International Space Station to be repackaged for a ride to Earth. After study, this veteran of space and time would make for a nifty exhibit at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum. An as-yet-unidentified lead organization could serve as the Vanguard Mission Authority (VMA), the study team explains. The overall mission would be split into two phases: Firstly, imaging of Vanguard 1 to find out its condition prior to a retrieval decision. Given a go, then the actual recovery of the satellite would proceed. But there's a major challenge of snuggling up close to the three pound (1.46-kilogram) Vanguard 1. It is a small-sized satellite, a 15-centimeter aluminum sphere with a 91-centimeter antenna span. It would be a delicate, 'handle with care' state of affairs. As suggested by the study group, perhaps a private funder with historical or philanthropic interests could foot the retrieval bill. Keep in mind that entrepreneur Jared Isaacman made self-funded space treks using a SpaceX capsule, even taking the first civilian space walk. He has also proposed a mission to saunter up to the Hubble Space Telescope. Then there's well-heeled Jeff Bezos of Blue Origin that backed the retrieval of Apollo-program Saturn V engines from the Atlantic for museum displays. Bringing Vanguard 1 home is appealing for several reasons. The ability to develop and demonstrate industry-provided space repositioning services is one. "For materials engineers and space historians, it would be a learning opportunity like no other," Bille and study members argue. "Retrieving Vanguard 1 would be a challenge, but an achievable and invaluable step forward for the entire U.S. space community." Similar in view is Bill Raynor, the Naval Research Laboratory's associate superintendent of the spacecraft engineering division. — 'Astronaut archaeology' could improve space station design. Here's how — Archaeology on the moon: How to preserve spaceflight artifacts from Apollo era — Archaeology on the ISS? Scientists study how astronauts use and store stuff in space While Vanguard-1 went silent in May 1964, Raynor said that since that time, the satellite's 133-minute orbit has been tracked by a network of optical space surveillance sensors and continues to be of scientific interest to this day. "The results of the tracking of Vanguard-1's orbit provided much of the early data supporting the discovery and estimation of the Earth's oblateness, similar to a pear-shape," Raynor told If Vanguard 1 was recovered and brought back here to Earth, how much could we glean from its long duration exposure? "For material and radiation effects scientists and engineers," Raynor added, "it would be an unprecedented opportunity for investigating the effects of long-term space environmental exposure."
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
On this date: U.S. successfully launches its first satellite, Explorer 1
Explorer 1 became the first successfully launched satellite by the United States when it was sent to space on 31 January 1958. A quick response to the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik 1, Explorer 1's success marked the beginning of the US Space Age. The satellite, which was designed, built, and operated by JPL, carried a cosmic ray detector (the satellite's primary science instrument), which directly led to Principal Investigator Dr. James Van Allen's discovery of radiation belts around Earth held in place by the planet's magnetic field. This story was created by multimedia editor Rob Landers, rlanders@ with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of information gathering, review, editing and publishing. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: On this date: U.S. launches its first satellite, Explorer 1
