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Book ID: CBB074723221

Space Science and the Arab World: Astronauts, Observatories and Nationalism in the Middle East (2018)

Determann, Jörg Matthias (Author)

I. B. Tauris
Publication date: 2018
Language: English

ISBN: 9781788310147

Publication Date: 2018
Physical Details: 272 pp.

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Science and politics Space programs Space research and exploration Arabic Nahḍah (Renaissance) Solar system; planets Arab/Islamic world, civilization and culture Astronomy Space travel; space flight 21st century 19th century Middle and Near East United States Soviet Union Saud, Sultan bin Salman Al

When Sultan bin Salman left Earth on the shuttle Discovery in 1985, he became the first Arab, first Muslim and first member of a royal family in space. Twenty-five years later, the discovery of a planet 500 light years away by the Qatar Exoplanet Survey - subsequently named `Qatar-1b' - was evidence of the cutting-edge space science projects taking place across the Middle East. This book identifies the individuals, institutions and national ideologies that enabled Arab astronomers and researchers to gain support for space exploration when Middle East governments lacked interest. Joerg Matthias Determann shows that the conquest of space became associated with national prestige, security, economic growth and the idea of an `Arab renaissance' more generally. Equally important to this success were international collaborations: to benefit from American and Soviet expertise and technology, Arab scientists and officials had to commit to global governance of space and the common interests of humanity. Challenging the view that the golden age of Arabic science and cosmopolitanism was situated in the medieval period, Determann tells the story of the new discoveries and scientific collaborations taking place from the 19th century to the present day. An innovative contribution to Middle East studies and history of science, the book also appeals to increased business, media and political interest in the Arab space industry.

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Reviewed By

Review Stefano Bigliardi (2018) Review of "Space Science and the Arab World: Astronauts, Observatories and Nationalism in the Middle East". Endeavour: Review of the Progress of Science (pp. 207-208). unapi

Review Asif Siddiqi (2019) Review of "Space Science and the Arab World: Astronauts, Observatories and Nationalism in the Middle East". Isis: International Review Devoted to the History of Science and Its Cultural Influences (pp. 649-651). unapi

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