Draft:Space participation

Space participation refers to the involvement of countries, private companies, and other entities and people in spaceflight. This includes scientific research, commercial ventures, and international cooperation.

History
The Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union in the 1950s and 1960s marked the beginning of spaceflight. This era saw the launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, and the first human spaceflight by Yuri Gagarin in 1961. The establishment of the International Space Station (ISS) is a prime example of international collaboration in space. Launched in 1998, the ISS involves 15 nations, including the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada, and members of the European Space Agency (ESA). The 21st century has seen a surge in commercial space participation.

Current Participation
Numerous government space agencies continue to play a crucial role in space exploration. Private companies are increasingly contributing to space missions. NGOs and academic institutions also contribute to space research. The Planetary Society, for example, funds and promotes space science and exploration initiatives.

Inclusion and democratication
The involvement of countries from the Global South in space activities has been limited due to financial and technological constraints. However, recent years have seen increased efforts from countries like India, Brazil, and South Africa. India's ISRO has made significant strides with missions like Chandrayaan-2 and the Mars Orbiter Mission. Brazil has developed a partnership with the United States for satellite launches, while South Africa hosts one of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project sites.

Participation of minorities in space-related fields remains a critical issue. Efforts are being made to address the gender and racial disparity in STEM fields, with initiatives aimed at increasing diversity in space agencies and related industries. NASA has launched programs to encourage participation among women and underrepresented minorities. Furthermore, private companies and NGOs are also working to create more inclusive environments within the space sector.