  Space-science programs provide a wide range of application to a nation's key
sectors of development: science-technology infrastructure, education, economy
and national security. However, the cost of sustaining a space-science program
has discouraged developing nations from participating in space activities,
while developed nations have steadily cut down their space-science budget in
past decade. In this study I investigate the role of international cooperation
in building ambitious space-science programs, particularly in the context of
developing nations. I devise a framework to quantify the impact of
international collaborations in achieving the space-science goals as well as in
enhancing the key sectors of development of a nation. I apply this framework on
two case studies, (i) Indian Space Research Organization - a case of
space-science program from a developing nation that has historically engaged in
international collaborations, and (ii) International Space Station - a case for
a long term collaboration between matured space-science programs. My study
concludes that international cooperation in space can significantly enhance
scope of science goals, but has relatively little return of investment towards
science education and national security. I also highlight limitations of such
space diplomacy in the case of China and SAARC nations, and list criteria for
future investigation and case studies.
