**3. Democratization of space**

In the early stage of the space age, almost all space activities were carried out by a small number of developed countries and the USSR. However, an important development in recent years is, as we call it, the democratization of space. Increasingly, nations who want to exploit space for the good of their citizens and to boost national development have stepped into the space technology arena. Some large countries had already initiated their space programs as early as 1950's. China and India comprise the category of newly industrialized countries that represent 37% percent of world population and have made great achievements in the meantime. As of today, these countries have managed to put their own launch vehicles on serial production and even reached the lunar orbit.

Newly industrialized countries like Brazil, South Africa, Turkey, Thailand, Malaysia and some other nations have taken their first steps mostly through relatively low-cost small satellite technology transfer programs and/or by collaborating with nations strong in space technology. For these nations, most of whom are either in the newly industrialized or developing country category, the first priority is generally satisfying immediate needs and achieve a return on investments as soon as possible. The main focus is generally on earth observation, which is an important tool to support development. Countries who can afford to have also invested in telecommunication systems and launch vehicles.

In parallel to space technology investments for immediate needs, efforts in the domain of space science and space exploration have increased as well. China and India have progressed similarly and initiated their space activities in 1950's. Although they have boosted their activities much later than Russia, the US and Europe, since the 1980's, they have become part of the elite club that is paving the way for the future of space exploration to expand scientific knowledge, develop their country's technical capabilities, and provide employment opportunities for valuable human resources in the areas of space technologies and science. With increasing interest in space, more countries are aspiring and will aspire to space exploration activities by the use of space technology following these examples. After summarizing the space programs of China and India, we will review developments in the rest of the world.
