Auroran Science and Technology Research Agency
Pūtahi Rangahau Pūtaiao me te Hangarau o te Orora (OAN) Auroranische Forschungsagentur für Wissenschaft und Technologie (ETH) აურანის მეცნიერებისა და ტექნოლოგიების კვლევის სააგენტო (SAL) Auroriaanske Agintskip foar Wittenskip en Technology (BLU) Agenzia di ricerca scientifica e tecnologica de Aurora (AXD) | |
 | |
| Abbreviation | ASTRA |
|---|---|
| Motto | Magna sapientia est qui quaerit Great is he who seeks wisdom |
| Type | UNAC Agency |
| Legal status | International organization |
| Purpose | Scientific and technological research |
| Location |
|
Region | Aurora |
Official language | Working language Staynish Official languages |
Commissioner for Science and Technology | TBD |
Parent organization | United Nations of the Auroran Continent |
The Auroran Science and Technology Research Agency (commonly known as ASTRA) is an organ of the United Nations of the Auroran Continent. It is responsible for scientific research and advising the UNAC on science policy. It is administered by the Commissioner for Science and Technology. It is presently housed in Ribenstadt, Faethalria. Although all official documents are translated into the UNAC official languages, Staynish is the de facto working language of ASTRA. ASTRA has been involved in numerous projects such as the Large Particle Accelerator and Nuclear Powered Ion Drive Research.
Purpose
The purpose of ASTRA is as follows:
- Improve the accessibility and availability of scientific knowledge
- Encourage the participation and representation of marginalized groups in science and technology
- Make Aurora a leader in science and technology
- Stimulate economic prosperity of Aurora through science and innovation
Function
The functions of ASTRA are as follows:
- Conduct scientific research,
- Advise the UNAC on science and technology-related policies,
- Manage, monitor and protect scientific assets of the UNAC,
- Develop guidelines for ethical scientific research,
- Encourage scientific research and technological innovation in the UNAC,
- Coordinate cooperation among member states of the UNAC on scientific endeavors.
Organisation
The Commissioner for Science, Research and Technology is the chef executive officer of ASTRA. They responsible for day-to-day running of the organization. They also formulate and propose policies on science and technology to the UNAC, monitor and report on the state of science and technology in the UNAC, administer the directives and policies of the UNAC with regard to science and technology, represent ASTRA, and appoint senior members of ASTRA. Operational and logistical functions are performed by the Executive Office of the Commissioner for Science, Research and Technology. Scientific work is conducted by the following departments, who are each responsible for a scientific discipline:
- Department of Chemistry
- Department of Physics
- Department of Botany
- Department of Astronomy
- Department of Genetics
- Department of Computer Science
- Department of Earth Sciences
- Department of Robotics
- Department of Archeology
Finances
The budget of ASTRA comes from the UNAC. The Commissioner drafts and proposes a budget to the UNAC Commission. When the UNAC Commission approves, the Auroran Parliament and Council of the UNAC must approve the combined budget of the UNAC Commission which includes ASTRA. ASTRA's financial statements are subject to the UNAC Financial Audit Office.
Relations
ASTRA works with scientific organizations and bodies from member states of the UNAC. ASTRA cannot impose its policies and requirements on member states. It often requires their cooperation and consent. ASTRA also works with private institutions, state entities and universities. ASTRA has formal cooperation agreements with the following bodies:
- University of Tokapa, The Oan Isles
- Nyvera Wescernic Research Foundation, K'undzeti & the Grand Dominion of Wescernia
- University of Akhalip'ortsi, K'undzeti
- Barque University, Axdel
Programs
Space Exploration Program
The Space Exploration Program is administered by the Department of Astronomy. This program consists of sending probes to foreign planets, manned-missions to space and satellites to the far reaches of space and collecting, analyzing and reporting on their findings and discoveries. Currently, Rosamund Island is being used to send missions to space. ASTRA and the Emberwood Coast Space Exploration Agency are working together to develop reusable rockets.
Nuclear Fusion for Energy Program
This Program is administered by the department of Physics. The programs operations involve funding and coordinating nuclear fusion research within member states for the purposes of harnessing the technology for the generation of clean electrical power. The current focus of the program is the construction of the Soltan International Thermonuclear Experiment reactor, which is expected to become the first reactor to produce a self-sustaining fusion plasma. Currently SITE is expected to be finished by 2023 and after testing will pave the way for a demonstration power plant expected to begin construction in the 2030's.