benefits of space technology essay

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Why space exploration is always worthwhile

Your guide to advocating for space in a complicated world.

Most people who love space and believe in exploration have probably heard this once or twice: “We shouldn’t waste money on space exploration when there are problems to deal with here on Earth.”

While public health concerns, social injustices, climate change, and other urgent issues are important to address, solving these problems doesn’t depend on defunding space programs.

This can be a difficult conversation to navigate, so we’ve outlined a few ideas here that you can share when advocating for space.

Space research isn’t as expensive as people think

Many countries around the world invest in space science and exploration as a balanced part of their total federal budget. Public opinion research has shown that people estimate NASA to take up as much as a quarter of the U.S. federal budget, but in fact,  NASA’s budget only represents about 0.5% of the total federal budget and the proportion is even smaller for other spacefaring nations . The correct information may go a long way to reassuring critics that space spending isn’t eating up as many public resources as they think.

The United States government spent approximately $6.6 trillion in fiscal year 2020, of which just 0.3% ($22.6 billion) was provided to NASA. In this chart, shades of blue represent mandatory spending programs; shades of orange are discretionary programs that require annual appropriations by Congress. "Defense and related" includes both the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Source: Office of Management and Budget Historical Tables 8.5 and 8.7.

Space spending pays off

If someone is arguing that public funds should be spent on solving the world’s problems, they should know that money spent on NASA positively impacts the U.S. economy . We get the same kind of payoff for space spending in other countries. Spending on space supports highly skilled jobs, fuels technology advancements with practical applications, and creates business opportunities that feed back into the economy. This in turn grows the pool of public money that can be spent on solving the world’s most pressing problems.

Space research directly impacts Earthly problems

When people apply themselves to the challenges of exploring space, they make discoveries that can help the world in other ways too. Studying how we might grow food in orbit or on Mars yields insights into growing food in extreme conditions on Earth , generating knowledge that can help mitigate the impacts of climate change. Medical research conducted on the International Space Station helps us understand the human body in new ways, helping save lives and improve quality of life .

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Studying space helps us understand our own world

Studying the cosmos gives us an important perspective shift. When we learn about what lies beyond Earth, it gives us context for understanding our own planet. Studying the other worlds of our solar system and beyond makes it clear that Earth is a precious oasis for life. When we sent spacecraft to Venus we saw how a runaway greenhouse effect turned the world from a habitable planet to an absolute hellscape. When astronauts travel into space they see just how thin and tenuous Earth’s atmosphere is, appreciating the fragile balance in which we live . A cosmic perspective underscores the importance of protecting our planet’s habitability and encourages investment in that effort.

Studying space may one day save us all

All the social and environmental progress in the world won't help us if an asteroid impacts the Earth. We have to explore space to find and study the asteroids and comets in our cosmic neighborhood if we want to make sure we can  defend our planet  if an object ever heads our way.

Space is inspiring

Not every child who dreams of becoming an astronaut will get that opportunity. This is a sad truth that many of us know from experience. But to be inspired to aim for something so grand gives kids the motivation to study hard and gain skills in science, engineering, medicine, or other fields that benefit humanity and directly help overcome problems that we face as a species.

And inspiration isn’t just for kids. When we marvel at the beauty of Jupiter’s clouds or the mystery of Enceladus’ oceans , we get an opportunity to appreciate the wonder and majesty of this cosmos that we inhabit. The idea that life might exist elsewhere in the universe reminds us that we might not be the only planet struggling to achieve balance, justice, and sustainability. And even in the bleakest of times, there’s something beautiful about still striving to achieve something great and discover something that could change how we see ourselves and our cosmos forever.

There’s plenty of room at the table

There’s no denying that there are many important issues facing humanity that need fixing. But to deal with those problems doesn’t mean we have to stop looking up, stop exploring, and stop making discoveries.

Human civilization has astonishing capacity, and we can do more than one important thing at a time. If someone thinks that a particular issue should get more attention and investment, they can and should advocate for that. The problems we face don’t persist because we’re spending money on space science and exploration. And there’s no reason to pit our aspirations against one another.

Let’s Go Beyond The Horizon

Every success in space exploration is the result of the community of space enthusiasts, like you, who believe it is important. You can help usher in the next great era of space exploration with your gift today.

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Space technology: how space benefits life on earth

M F Warrender highlights how space technology plays an integral role in society and how NASA invests in technology development

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower with the vision: “we reach for new heights and reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind.” Since then, thousands of people have been working for NASA around the world to try and achieve this.

NASA addresses a number of key questions. What’s out there in space? How do we get there? What will we find? What can we learn from space that will make life better here on Earth? Throughout history, NASA has conducted or funded research that has led to numerous improvements to life here on earth, as well as also broadened our knowledge of space.

NASA conducts its work within 4 principal organisations, called mission directorates:

• Aeronautics;
• Human exploration and operations;
• Space technology.

The latter of these mission directorates, space technology, is responsible for rapidly developing, innovating, demonstrating, and infusing revolutionary and high pay off technologies that enable NASA’s future missions, while also providing economic benefit to the nation.

NASA stands by its belief that technology drives exploration. NASA’s pioneering leadership in space is aided by sustained investments in technology, which advance the agency’s space exploration, science and aeronautics capabilities. The federal agency seeks to improve our ability to access and travel through space; land more mass in more locations throughout the solar system; live and work in deep space and on planetary bodies; build next generation air vehicles, and transform the ability to observe the universe and answer profound questions in earth and space sciences. NASA also states that its technology development supports the nation’s innovation economy by creating solutions that generate tangible benefits for life on earth. NASA is without a doubt, investing in the future of innovation and the importance of research.

Space technology and innovation

Naturally, it would be easy to assume that the many science and innovation projects generated by NASA could often overlook the impacts on other sectors, such as health and the environment. Major programmes often have large environmental impacts, with science frequently and unintentionally overlooking the importance of the preservation of the climate. However, for many years, NASA has prided itself on its attention to environmental impacts, striving to lessen the use of ozone-depleting substances and the environmental consequences of research and innovation of space technology. This has been explicitly highlighted within a statement made by former NASA administrator Dan Goldin in 1994, in which he states: “NASA must be a leader in reducing the use of ozone-depleting substances and continue to identify programme and process revisions to reduce any adverse environmental impacts.”

Since then, this notion has been maintained and reinforced through recent programmes, securing NASA’s word on its environmental consciousness. The use of solar panels to power satellites has been a constant focal point of improvement, with NASA aiming to develop traditional solar panels to make them more cost-efficient and less bulky, ensuring that solar array technology can be at its best.

Supercomputers

Another example of NASA’s environmental excellence is this year’s new modular supercomputing facility – saving energy and water. Many facilities require significant amounts of water on a day to day basis and the task of powering these facilities consumes huge amounts of energy and water, for example, heating up and cooling down a high-end computing facility. A new system has recently been developed at Ames Research Centre in Silicon Valley, named Electra, which is expected to save about 1,300,000 gallons of water and a million kilowatt-hours of energy each year, equal to the annual energy usage of about 90 households. On top of this, it will also save NASA about $35 million dollars – about half the cost of building another big facility.

Despite what might be assumed, the reduced use of water and energy resources does not lessen the system’s capability. “The Electra system will provide users an additional 280 million hours of computing time per year”, according to Bill Thigpen , Chief of the Advanced Computing Branch at Ames’ NASA Advanced Supercomputing Facility. It already ranks 39th in the US on the TOP500 list of the most powerful computer systems.

This is just one of many recent developments by NASA to help with conservation, and it just goes to show that space technology and science really can benefit other areas of society. NASA has been true to its word regarding its efforts with the environment, and as stated by Goldin, “Environmental excellence is a way of life and must be ingrained as part of our culture.

Whether it is designing and fabricating robotic spacecraft, launching the shuttle, or conducting basic research, we must seek solutions which are environmentally benign.”

M F Warrender

Open Access Government

www.openaccessgovernment.org

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How space exploration is fueling the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Subscribe to the center for technology innovation newsletter, landry signé and landry signé senior fellow - global economy and development , africa growth initiative @landrysigne hanna dooley hd hanna dooley associate - fourth industrial revolution initiative, thunderbird school of global management.

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

• 13 min read

In 2022, the first images from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) James Webb Space Telescope were released , capturing the world’s attention with breathtaking vistas of thousands of stars, planets, and galaxies, including the most distant galaxies ever detected. These discoveries only scratch the surface of what will come from the telescope, thanks to decades of investment and partnership between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and continuous advancements in science, which are the backbone of this unprecedented discovery. Beyond the Webb Telescope, further discoveries in space are rapidly accelerating, creating an exciting new paradigm for space that includes new players, trends, opportunities, and challenges, all propped up by the convergence of advanced technologies that are a part of the ongoing, broader Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

The 4IR, characterized by the fusion of technologies that integrate the biological, physical, and technological spheres, is transforming economic, political, and social systems. Similar to previous industrial revolutions, the 4IR’s disruptive effects on these systems have the potential to improve the quality of life for populations across the globe , including fostering economic growth and structural transformation; fighting poverty and inequality; reinventing labor, skills, and production; increasing financial services and investment; modernizing agriculture and agro-industries; and improving health care and human capital. The paradigm shifts within the space industry specifically, because of the developments in 4IR technologies, have immense potential to further drive more inclusive global prosperity.

The 4IR and space have a positive, mutually reinforcing relationship: Scientific advancements and the convergence of technologies are leading to advances in space exploration, while advances in space are leading to the creation of new technologies and applications. Advances in blockchain technology, artificial intelligence (AI), 3D printing, materials science, nanotechnology, and biotechnology have led to two key trends—decreasing launch costs and increasing capabilities of smaller satellites—both of which are leading to new capabilities for the sake of exploration and with direct benefit to society on Earth. The advancements in materials science and 3D printing have significantly decreased launch costs with sweeping impacts for the space industry. Advanced materials, such as carbon fiber and advanced composites, are also being used for rockets , significantly decreasing their overall weight and saving millions of dollars in the fuel needed for launch. 3D printing is lowering spacecraft manufacturing costs, especially for rocket engines—oxygen and kerosene engines now take only 24 hours to produce using 3D printing. [1] Going forward, companies and governments are exploring how 3D printing in orbit can be expanded to take advantage of the microgravity in space to print fiber optic cables, tools, and construction materials in new, more effective ways. Reusable rockets are also becoming a reality, making trips to the lower Earth orbit more sustainable and accessible going forward for individuals and for companies in industries from pharmaceuticals to energy that may eventually operate there as they take advantage of the microgravity and other physical characteristics.

Decreasing launch costs are increasing the popularity of small satellites. Compared to constellations of fewer, larger satellites, these constellations of small satellites are significantly cheaper to make, faster to produce, and easier to troubleshoot due to advances in 3D printing and materials science coupled with improvements in processing power, data storage, camera technology, solar array efficiency, miniaturization, and propulsion. Countries and companies of all sizes are taking advantage of these advances already. Small satellites make up about 94 percent of all spacecraft launches , growing from a total of 53 to 1,743 from 2017 to 2021. New companies are leveraging small satellites to build large broadband constellations including SpaceX, OneWeb, Telesat Canada, Samsung, and Boeing, among others.

The increase in small satellites has led to a huge growth in sensors which is shepherding the entry of new companies that leverage remote sensors in space to be able to capture images and power technologies on Earth. These satellite constellations produce an enormous amount of data , which is leading to the huge growth in the demand for data storage and analysis, with companies using AI, especially machine learning and deep learning, to turn data into intelligence that powers a range of commercial uses including monitoring food supply, tracking greenhouse gas emissions, and monitoring energy supply chains.

Key players in the 4IR

The decreasing costs coupled with more widespread technological adoption underpinned by the 4IR has led to an unprecedented era of accessibility for new players in the space industry, from state actors to private companies. As of 2021, the global space industry was made up of over 10,000 private space technology companies, 5,000 large investors, 130 state organizations, and 20 business sectors.

Among state actors, the United States is the leader in both public space investment (at $54.6 billion in 2021—almost 60 percent of global government investment in space) and private space investment in terms of the number of companies in the industry (the United States has almost ten times as many space companies as the next country—the United Kingdom). Despite the United States maintaining its leadership in financial investment, China’s commitment to space investment as a driver for economic competitiveness has quickly catapulted the country to global leadership in space. Second to the U.S. in space investment and innovation, China spent $10.3 billion on space programs in 2021 , increasing satellite launches, applications, and imagery while investing in an even more advanced telescope than the Hubble that will photograph 40% of the Earth’s sky.

Beyond the U.S. and China, advanced technologies are making it easier and more enticing for new countries to enter the market. Now, 20 countries across four continents have civil space budgets of more than $100 million, while 70 countries have active space programs including more recent additions like the Philippines in 2019 and Rwanda and Costa Rica in 2021. Countries including India, South Korea, Israel, and EU members are increasingly investing in space missions, while Pakistan, Laos, Belarus, and Venezuela are purchasing satellites in collaboration with China. African countries have also invested in their space industry , now having launched the first satellite to be entirely developed in Africa. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates was applauded for being the first country of its scale to launch a scientific mission to Mars. Regional organizations are investing in space as well, with the recent addition of the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (ALCE) joining the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO).

In addition to the range of new state actors involved in space investment, the sheer number of private space companies and their capabilities showcase how much the space landscape has opened up in terms of the types of players involved—the private sector, including private companies and individual entrepreneurs, now leads the public sector in space discovery and technological application. Commercial space activity is at the center of the “modern space race,” having tripled from $110 billion to almost $357 billion from 2005 to 2020. Major players including SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin have been competing to become leaders in space tourism and communications. While these major companies are leading the charge in terms of size and investment, advances in technology have made it possible for other countries to join the commercial space industry. For example, even though more traditional players such as the U.S., China, and Russia have experienced the most growth in the commercial satellite industry, now an Argentine company, Satellogic, and a Finnish company, ICEYE, are among the top five leading commercial space satellite companies.

Opportunities

The key trends in the space industry, due to rapid technological development, are unlocking new opportunities for more inclusive prosperity. Countries and regions that were previously left out of the space industry now have the potential to seize three main types of opportunities. First, the trends in space technology are leading to groundbreaking capabilities from space-to-Earth activities to space-to-space activities that could be of direct benefit to more players. Second, as more players are able to invest in space, they will have potential to engage in meaningful diplomacy on a global stage. This leads to the third opportunity, which is the potential for space to become an area where countries and regions can come together to advance common goals despite ongoing economic, geopolitical, or social conflicts on Earth.

Because of falling launch costs, ongoing technological innovation, and growing commercialization in the space industry, opportunities abound in both the downstream segment (activities that use technology in space for services on Earth, or space-to-Earth activities) and the upstream segment (activities that send things into space, or space-to-space activities) of the space economy as changes in both segments are leading to a new, more integrated space economy.

Space-to-Earth activities make up most of the space economy, with exciting societal benefits as technology advances. Already, falling launch costs have expanded potential space-to-Earth uses including optimized broadband infrastructure, enhanced earth observation capabilities, and national security satellites. Companies are also exploring how moving their operations to the lower orbit could unlock new production models. For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, medical companies in orbit could grow organs for transplant patients on Earth and manufacture new drugs in orbit that target cancer cells. New launch capabilities could even enable the use of solar factories in orbit or on the Moon that can beam solar energy back to Earth, a long-awaited goal hindered by high costs. These advances in broadband access and energy sources could be critical for countries who were left behind by previous industrial revolutions who may be able to forge a new development path by capitalizing on these space-to-earth opportunities.

The space-to-space economy, primarily dominated by space-for-space transportation and manufacturing, has historically been underdeveloped due to a lack of demand to meet the high costs. Now, with more companies either looking to move their operations to space or to bring more people to space, the demand for manufacturing in space is increasing as a way to limit the time and cost it takes to transport materials from Earth. Space mining of precious metals and rare elements could become the next competitive sphere as a way to meet the demand for in-space manufacturing, which needs raw materials, metals, and water. Both the space-to-Earth and space-to-space economies will only continue to grow as new technological breakthroughs are made with the chance for developing countries to benefit.

The second opportunity for more inclusive prosperity lies in the reality that, since more countries can engage and invest in the space industry at varying levels, these countries could have a stronger diplomatic voice in how the space economy is developed and regulated. As of 2022, only 11 countries have their own launch capabilities , but other countries are able to participate in other ways , such as countries like Peru and Angola who are developing their own satellites. The old “Iron Curtain” no longer exists in space as more countries are able to launch satellites into orbit, which is good news for other countries who will have more of a voice as things develop. The commercial space industry is now more accessible to new players as well. More and more countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin American are actively investing in their own private sector space industries, signaling their recognition that space has multifaceted benefits for them both economically and diplomatically. The emergence of the private space sector in other countries could mean that collaboration will be key even if there are existing tensions or vulnerabilities within governments or geopolitical relationships.

This leads to the third major opportunity for inclusive development from the space industry, which is its potential for re-establishing legitimacy in multilateralism and for finding areas of common goals even amidst growing complexity between players. As countries become more reliant on one another, especially in regard to satellite communications, space diplomacy will only grow in importance. The range of possible, innovative applications of space technologies have incredible potential to help the world meet its global goals. There are so many growing opportunities for international cooperation and innovation within the space industry, especially given the strengths and advantages of certain regions whether its natural resources, capital, or enabling environments, among others, making it ripe for new types of global partnerships.

Key Challenges Ahead

While competition can lead to breakthroughs at unprecedented speeds, it can also lead to development and application of technologies under differing motivations that might not serve the widest range of stakeholders and society. Geopolitical tensions also thwart attempts at partnerships leading to the duplication of efforts and the rise of security concerns as major powers such as the United States, China, and Russia become more polarized. For example, in response to tensions over the war in Ukraine, Russia announced that it intends to quit the International Space Station after 2024 and will be building its own outpost. If Russia follows through, its collaboration with the United States and will likely continue in other ways, but these types of decisions, when fueled by geopolitical tensions on Earth, can threaten the stability of space operations for the detriment of everyone involved.

The likelihood is low for global agreement and coordination on every aspect of the emerging space economy. It would be naive to assume that economic, geopolitical, and social problems on Earth would disappear in the context of space. Yet, though these conflicts persist and may become even more complex, there are still opportunities for global coordination, albeit potentially requiring a different approach in response to this reality. For example, there are still areas of common interest among different partners that space technology can help with, such as developing of vaccines, tracking natural disasters, and assessing water quality. Some experts have suggested that anticipatory diplomacy, which has been used in the context of climate change and pandemic preparedness, could be a way forward that focuses on anticipating and mitigating worst-case scenarios. This could help reveal areas with a higher likelihood of collaboration and which thus could be more strategic to focus on going forward rather than attempting to find broad consensus which could ultimately stifle progress. This will be especially true now that there are more countries with competing interests involved.

The rise of private companies in space, while presenting major opportunities, also presents major risks. Right now, there is a lot of first-mover advantages as some space exploration and space technology applications are at the initial stages of development. There is thus a risk that private entities could establish monopolies on certain areas—for example broadband—whose incentives may not align with those of governments or society. This would make cooperation even more complex, especially as national borders on Earth may become arbitrary in the context of space. As ethical and regulatory frameworks continue to be developed, it will be critical that the private sector is included as a main voice among many stakeholders.

The effects of the 4IR are being felt all over the globe, as advanced technologies challenge the systems we operate within today. The 4IR’s influence in space has already been transformational, as emerging technologies have lowered launch costs and satellite costs, opening up the opportunity to invest in space to more countries and more companies. More players in space means more risks if geopolitical tensions thwart efforts for partnership or coordination. However, this also creates more opportunities for global, societal benefits as technologies develop and discoveries abound. Smaller countries could capitalize on opportunities for new development paths and new dynamics as they play a bigger role in diplomacy and global partnerships. Once again, these developments in the space industry showcase the disruptive nature of the 4IR, which brings both complex risks and unprecedented opportunities. Inclusive and sustainable prosperity could become more of a reality should the world overcome the challenges and seize the opportunities accelerated by advanced space technologies.

[1] 3D printing is also being used to produce rocket thrust chambers, reducing the number of parts by 70 percent and the production time by 50 percent. ( Back to top )

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Everyday benefits of space exploration

Some examples of how space benefits Canadians and all of humanity.

Improving health care

Experiments performed in space help us understand health problems on Earth.

Protecting our planet and our environment

Satellites provide data on climate change, measure pollution, and help protect our planet.

Creating scientific and technical jobs

The space sector generates high-tech jobs for Canadians.

Improving our day-to-day lives

Space technologies improve products we use every day, weather forecasts, and communications worldwide.

Enhancing safety on Earth

Satellites data can be used to predict natural disasters and to support emergency relief efforts.

Making scientific discoveries

Scientific breakthroughs are challenging our assumptions and pushing our boundaries by exploring the unknown.

Sparking youth's interest in science

Astronauts encourage young people to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Cooperating with countries around the world

Canada is a partner of the International Space Station, a research laboratory in space.

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Blog UK Space Agency blog

https://space.blog.gov.uk/2022/06/15/the-importance-of-space-science-and-technology/

The importance of space science and technology

With London Tech Week underway, we are reminded of the importance that technology plays in all our lives. From simple tasks like setting our alarm clocks for the morning to the ability of performing precision surgery thousands of miles away using a 5G connection – technology helps to keep our modern lives ticking on.      

The same can be said for technologies deriving from space exploration. The wider list of technological advances from space encompasses improved solar panels, implantable heart monitors, light‐based anti‐cancer therapy, cordless tools, lightweight high‐temperature alloys, compact water purification systems, global search‐and‐rescue systems, and biomedical technologies.   

In addition, the scientific experiments that are enabled and achieved by space exploration programmes bring new and important understanding to many different fields of research. The knowledge gathered leads to a host of new developments that benefit us all on Earth, such as advanced new materials, deeper understanding of how humans age, as well as providing the understanding needed to help humans live and work in deep space.  

As space exploration continues, we expect to see further technological advances such as the miniaturisation of components, increased lifespan of devices, new novel materials and many more innovations that will have numerous benefits to life on Earth. The possibilities really are endless when we invest in, and put our minds to, working through the challenges of outer space.    

The UK Space Agency is opening two funding calls: to support future space exploration and to support research on the International Space Station.  

Enabling Space Exploration  

The Enabling Space Exploration Call  is seeking projects to develop the capability of the UK in space exploration and position the UK to participate in, and benefit from, future space exploration missions. This call will run from the end of 2022 to December 2024. There is up to £1 million available, and the UK Space Agency expects to fund around 3-5 projects of up to £200,000 each.   

Technological development is crucial if humanity is to be capable of exploring the Moon and beyond.  

  In this call we have chosen three areas for focus, they are:    

• Development of In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU)  
• Studying nuclear power systems for space  
• Instrumentation for future missions  

    These technologies will be the bedrock of exploration and human activity off-Earth. ISRU technologies can provide vital consumables for human activity such as drinking water, oxygen, and even propulsion fuels while nuclear power will free us from a dependency on solar power, providing the energy for continual activity. Space Instrumentation covers an array of devices that provide key services to spacecraft to enable exploration missions to the Moon and beyond.    

Microgravity Experiments  

The UK Space Agency is also launching the UK Microgravity Experiments Call ,  an opportunity of a two-stage competition for ideas for experiments for development and flight on the International Space Station. Up to £3 million is available from this call and the Agency expects to fund 1-3 experiments.    

  We have requested proposals for ideas for experiments that could be developed and flown to the International Space Station by 2025/26. Any experiments selected for development by the UK Space Agency at the end of the application process will be nominated to the European Space Agency for flight as a UK national contribution to the Exploration programme.  Experiments will have to be designed, developed, built, and qualified by the experiment team.    

  The European Space Agency will help with integration to the ISS programme and the payload would be operated by a USOC (User Support and Operations Centre), nominated by ESA, supported by the experiment team.   

  The UK Space Agency will hold a virtual workshop on 12 July 2022 for the UK Microgravity Experiments Call to support potential applicants. Find out more here .

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The space economy is booming. What benefits can it bring to Earth?

The term ‘space economy’ covers the goods and services produced in space for use in space. Image:  Unsplash/NASA

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• The space economy is worth at least $469 billion, according to a new report.
• The term ‘space economy’ covers the goods and services produced in space for use in space.
• Digital infrastructure in the sky has brought benefits to many industries and is helping in the fight against climate change.
• However there are concerns about the amount of space debris in Earth’s orbit, which NASA says now totals 9,000 tonnes.

The space race began as a competition between two superpowers, but there are now 90 nations operating in space .

Another change since man first landed on the moon in 1969 is that lower costs mean it’s not just governments that can afford to put rockets and satellites into the skies. A host of private-sector companies are now investing in space programmes , seeking everything from scientific advances to potentially lucrative business opportunities.

It’s estimated that there are now more than 10,000 firms and around 5,000 investors involved in the space industry.

The space economy is booming

The term “space economy” covers the “goods and services produced in space for use in space , such as mining the moon or asteroids for material”, according to the Harvard Business Review. The OECD defines it as any activity that involves “exploring, researching, understanding, managing, and utilizing space” .

The Space Foundation’s The Space Report 2022 estimates that the space economy was worth $469 billion in 2021 – a 9% increase from a year earlier. And over 1,000 spacecraft were put into orbit in the first six months of this year, the report says – more than were launched in the first 52 years of space exploration (1957-2009).

But the space sector is not only a growth sector in itself – it’s also proving a key enabler of growth and efficiency in other sectors. The European Space Agency says the deployment of new space infrastructure has brought benefits to industries including meteorology, energy, telecommunications, insurance, transport, maritime, aviation and urban development.

Most of this money came from the private sector rather than the public sector, the report says, estimating that more than $224 billion was generated from products and services delivered by space companies.

There has also been an increase in state-backed investment in space projects around the world, according to the Space Foundation report. There was a 19% jump in overall government spending on military and civilian space programmes last year. India raised spending by 36%, China invested 23% more and the US pumped another 18% into space ventures.

Innovation is fuelling the space economy

What’s happening today has been described as a “space renaissance” – a period when technological innovation is significantly reducing costs and creating new capabilities.

The CEO of Planet Labs, Will Marshall, told the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting at Davos in May that rocket prices have dropped fourfold in the past decade . Companies that might once have had to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to put a satellite into space can now do so for a fraction of that, as cheaper components have become available.

Marshall says this means we’re now producing 10 times more Earth imagery by area than five years ago, and 10 times the bandwidth of communications is being transmitted around the planet.

He also says better imaging is increasing accountability. For example, commercial satellite data is providing a bird’s-eye view of the conflict in Ukraine, allowing the world to witness and record events on the ground as they occur.

Satellite imagery can also allow farmers to monitor crops, businesses to track their environmental, social and governance performance, and governments to monitor CO2 emissions, Marshall says.

The World Economic Forum’s Platform for Shaping the Future of Digital Economy and New Value Creation helps companies and governments leverage technology to develop digitally-driven business models that ensure growth and equity for an inclusive and sustainable economy.

• The Digital Transformation for Long-Term Growth programme is bringing together industry leaders, innovators, experts and policymakers to accelerate new digital business models that create the sustainable and resilient industries of tomorrow.
• The Forum’s EDISON Alliance is mobilizing leaders from across sectors to accelerate digital inclusion . Its 1 Billion Lives Challenge harnesses cross-sector commitments and action to improve people’s lives through affordable access to digital solutions in education, healthcare, and financial services by 2025.

Contact us for more information on how to get involved.

Solving the space waste problem

However, the almost 9,000 tonnes of equipment that has headed into space is creating problems of its own. There are more than 100 million pieces of space debris – at a size of one millimetre or larger – orbiting the Earth , NASA says.

This debris can include non-functional spacecraft, abandoned equipment, and mission-related debris. Travelling at speeds up to 17,500 miles per hour (28,160 kilometres per hour), even a tiny piece of debris can damage a satellite or spacecraft.

NASA says that an average of one piece of debris has fallen back to earth each day over the past 50 years . However it says these mainly land in oceans or uninhabited regions, and no serious injury to people or significant damage to property has even been confirmed.

The World Economic Forum’s Space Sustainability Rating (SSR) looks to encourage responsible behaviour in space through increasing the transparency of organization’s debris mitigation efforts. The SSR will provide a score representing a mission’s sustainability in relation to debris mitigation and alignment with international guidelines.

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Why Space Education Is So Important

“Back in October, I had the pleasure of contributing to the SingularityU Nordic Summit in Stockholm. For me, one of the highlights was having lunch with a group of university students who were in attendance. Our fascinating conversation ranged from innovation to education to what their futures are going to be like—and how they can empower themselves to be leaders toward a positive future. To my delight, one of those students, Vardnan Sivarajah, reached out to me for more discussion. Over the past few months, we’ve had interactions that strengthen my belief in the power of SU’s global community. I’m very pleased to host this essay from Vardnan, in which he shares his vision for the future—as well as a compelling call to action for all generations.”  –Tiffany Vora, Faculty Director and Vice Chair, Medicine and Digital Biology, Singularity University

26th of November, 20:50 CET, Norway: A young man is sitting glued to his computer screen, full of excitement. That’s me, not watching the final episode of Game of Thrones that evening, but something completely different: the landing of NASA’s spacecraft, InSight, on Mars. At that transcendent moment, in my 19-year-old mind, alone in my bedroom, I was transfixed by the sensation of knowing that those last minutes before touchdown were shared with others from all over the globe. Imagine a high schooler from China, a lawyer from the USA, a dancer from Spain, and a young boy from Norway, all in awe at the same moment over this extraordinary achievement accomplished by humans, by us. We had taken a huge step forward in understanding life, how we came to be, and the other wonders of our universe. I find it truly breathtaking.

27th of November, 14:58 CET, New York Times: “Russia-Ukraine Fight Over Narrow Sea Passage Risks Wider War” ... “Money and Muscle Pave China’s Way to Global Power” ... “Mexico’s New Leader Faces Clash With Trump Over Migrant Caravan” .... and so on. I just wish that humanity could manage to be united for a bit longer. Imagine what we could achieve if we weren’t obsessed over competing in this everlasting marathon of conquering the world. What if we instead obsessed over forming strong partnerships, erasing hunger and poverty, or reducing inequality? I envision a place we all are proud to call home. However, in this race we’re in now, I cannot fathom what good is actually waiting for us at the finish line.

Where has this race left us till now? A wealth gap through which the richest continue to become richer while others stay poor, a worsening of the consequences of global climate change, and a rising political tension threatening collaboration between countries. An imposing polarization of our world, threatening to leave us with nothing.

The root of our situation, I believe, can be found in our current education paradigm. If we imagine ourselves back in the classroom, we’re still seated in a room with students of the same age, some more excited than others, while the teacher stands in front, lecturing with the hope that we’re learning something. During tests, we are still not allowed to talk, we cannot share our answers, we’re absolutely forbidden to collaborate with anyone, and we’re rewarded for doing better than those around us.

This individualistic and competitive mindset is reinforced throughout our entire educational journey. And as students, we have no choice but to bring this mentality along into the workplace, where we find ourselves in positions in politics, the military, the banks, and in big corporate firms. Hence, there is no surprise that there is a striking resemblance between our individualistic education system and our current geopolitical landscape. We compete endlessly—because we are explicitly told to do so or because by now, competition is simply habit. Our efforts at collaboration always face numerous roadblocks. And they always will. Unless something changes.

As I see it, that change will arise from new values that are central to how we nurture our students. Instead of ingraining a mentality of competition in students, we should teach them the importance of virtues such as empathy, collaboration, and taking responsibility for each other. This ambition requires a substantial reformation of our education system, as well as our entire way of thinking about teaching and learning. Where should we start?

I believe we would come a long way by educating students to experience the beauty and delight of space exploration. Not just at the college level, where I am now, but from the very first moment a child steps into a place of learning.

A fuller understanding of our universe yields a much humbler perspective on life—its rareness, its wonder—and our role in it. The realizations that Earth is just one among a hundred billion planets in our galaxy alone, that humans have only walked the surface of the Earth for about 0.00004% of our planet’s history , and that in some billions of years our universe may be dead forever . A truly universal perspective could prompt learners of all ages to look beyond the contests of power among our self-created tribes and to devote their time to collaborate toward the leaps we need make to solve challenges such as climate change, hunger, and inequality.

Today, space exploration is nearly unparalleled in sparking outstanding human collaboration. The construction and operation of the International Space Station remain among the most politically complex processes ever undertaken. Long-lasting partnerships among 15 countries are responsible for assembling and operating a craft 400,000 meters above the surface of the Earth.

For me, that unification of humans into a collective intelligence working toward an extraordinary goal is perhaps the most beautiful aspect of exploring space. By acknowledging this power and beauty, we position ourselves to enrich our learning spaces with the empathy, collaboration, and sheer joy that have led us beyond the boundaries of Earth. And by bringing these capabilities into our classrooms, I believe that we will begin to witness our geopolitical landscape changing for the better.

I imagine tomorrow’s political leaders thinking twice about prioritizing military investments over improving the country’s infrastructure. I imagine future business leaders grasping the importance of implementing climate-friendly technology. I imagine citizens beginning to fathom the all-too-imaginable consequences of everyday decisions that ruin our planet. And I believe that looking to the skies is the way to start this transformation.

In fact, we can start this destiny-changing journey now. It’s not enough for every politician, general, teacher, and parent to drag to the forefront of every mind the conquests of power, the historical empires, the big industries, and the fast paths to wealth that have obsessed our species for millennia. Every person has the potential to embrace and communicate another perspective, a bigger one. A view that showcases the importance of preserving and cherishing our very own pale blue dot, which is the only home we’ve ever known.

‍ Vardnan Sivarajah participated in the SingularityU Nordic Summit in Stockholm on a student scholarship sponsored by Telia Company.

Vardnan Sivarajah

Vardnan is a product designer from Norway, who can code and build for the web, mobile, and mixed reality. He has worked in public companies, scale-ups, to startups in a wide range of industries and roles, and is currently exploring the future of interfaces for emerging tech.

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10 Benefits of Space Exploration. (Including Medical and Economical)

On April 12, 1961, the Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to journey to outer space. The age of space exploration started that day.

But why are we so interested in spending so much time, money, and resources to visit chunks of rock that are most likely empty? Why purposely go to environments that are dangerous and even deadly to humans?

Well, the answer is simple.

The benefits of space exploration outweigh the dangers of it. Becoming a space-faring civilization is the most important goal we must achieve for humanity to survive long-term .

In this article, we’ll the major 10 benefits of space exploration. These include medical, technological, and economic benefits. They are listed in no particular order of importance.

Economic benefits of space exploration

10. Creation of STEM Jobs

NASA employs more than 18,000 people. SpaceX more than 12,000. And that’s not counting outside contractors with whom those numbers at least double.

A lot of those jobs are positions for engineers, data analysts, mathematicians, physicists, astronomers, doctors, biologists, geologists, etc.

Space exploration is one of the industries that require the largest percentage of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) jobs.

These positions require highly qualified people to fill them but are also some of the highest-paid jobs in the market. The average entry-level STEM job pays approximately 26% higher than non-STEM fields for college graduates.

So, in summary, the growing space industry creates high-paying jobs.

9. Space mining and asteroid capturing

In space, there are many valuable resources in big quantities that are scarce on Earth. For example, the asteroid Pysche 16 is estimated to contain over $700 quintillion dollars worth of gold. Enough to give each person on Earth more than $100 billion dollars. And that’s not even close to being the most valuable object.

Economists have predicted the space mining industry will create the first trillionaire.

But the real benefit for the advancement of humankind might come from a much more unlikely substance. Water.

Learning to capture asteroids full of ice and crashing them safely, could help us solve one of the biggest challenges of inhabiting planets. The lack of liquid water.

8. Space tourism industry

The biggest dream some of us have is being able to take a trip to outer space. It is the ultimate destination. And because unfortunately, not many people can become astronauts, the rest of us will have to wait until the space tourism industry develops a bit more. It is still too expensive to go to space .

In 2021, a trip in one of the first trips offered by Blue Origin, the space company created by Jeff Bezos, was auctioned. The winner paid $28 million for the privilege to be one of the first space tourists.

As reusable rockets improve, the costs of these trips will become significantly lower. Hopefully one day they’ll be within the reach for all of us.

The space tourism industry will indubitably create tens of thousands of jobs. From travel agents to pilots, to manufacturing jobs in the factories that make the rockets.

Medical benefits of space exploration

7. Learning more about the human body

Studying the effects of space travel has helped us better understand the human body. For example, analyzing the effects of zero-gravity on blood circulation led to many discoveries on how arteries age and how to prevent some types of heart failure.

The experiments and measurements of bone strength and bone loss in astronauts have helped doctors better understand osteoporosis and other bone diseases.

The medical benefits of space exploration extend to pretty much every area of the human body. From muscle physiology to mental health.

6. Improving medical assistance in remote areas

One of the biggest challenges of space travel is solving problems when you can’t send any new equipment, experts, or any other help. You have to fix things with whatever is available on the ship.

So what happens when there’s a medical emergency on a spaceship?

This question has led doctors and engineers to develop tools and machines that can perform medical procedures and diagnostics remotely.

That same technology has many applications on Earth too. It allows doctors to assist patients that are located in remote rural areas or villages that are difficult to access.

5. Development of new medical procedures

All this knowledge that has been collected has yielded many developments in medical procedures.

Some examples of medical advancements that have been created thanks to space exploration are:

• Heart pumps
• Programmable pacemakers
• Fiber-optic catheters to perform laser angioplasty
• Digital imaging breast biopsy used to detect breast cancer
• Fetus monitoring transmitters
• Cooling suits made to lower a person’s temperature

The NASA spinoff site keeps track of some of the health and medicine advancements that have been made possible thanks to space exploration.

Other benefits of space exploration

4. development of new technologies.

The space race is one of the eras that has birthed the most technological advancements in the shortest period of time. It is probably only third behind both world wars. Throughout the years, companies have found consumer uses for many of these developments. To this day we still use them in our day-to-day lives without even knowing that some NASA engineers originally developed them for the Apollo program that took humankind to the Moon.

Listing all the technologies that have been derived from space exploration would be impossible, but here are some notable examples.

• Vacuum sealed food.
• Shock-absorbing sneaker soles. That’s right, the comfy running soles were originally developed for astronaut spacesuits.
• Fireproof materials used in firefighter uniforms
• Quake-proofing technology used in bridges and buildings to resist Earthquakes
• Heat-repellent blankets. There’s a reason why they are also known as “space blankets”. Fun fact, they can also double as DIY telescope covers.
• Rechargeable hearing aids
• Autonomous drone navigation
• Modern vacuum cleaners
• The lenses used in “action cameras”
• Water purification technology

As you can see, it is important for us to keep pushing the limits of space exploration. Who knows what kind of new technologies could be developed that will make our lives easier in the future.

3. Inspire the next generation

Space exploration sparks the curiosity of children who will become the next Elon Musk, Neil Armstrong, Sally Ride, or Guion Bluford.

It inspires students to dream and gets them interested in science and technology.

Not only is this good for them as STEM jobs can secure them a comfortably future, but it also helps humanity. It is through invention, research, and knowledge that humanity will be able to overcome the big challenges it will be facing in the future.

2. Protecting Earth

We only have one planet where we can live without the help of spacesuits. It would be nice to keep it in good condition until we can figure out a way to find other habitable planets or terraform others.

To do that, we need to learn more about the dangers of space. We know about extinction events like asteroids, but that’s not the only potential threat to our survival. Solar flares, radiation, magnetic pole changes, and greenhouse effects are just some of the challenges Earth might face at some point.

Exploring space is the only way we will learn more about them so we can develop strategies and technology that could help save us from such events.

1. Increase humanity’s odds of survival

There’s one thing we are certain of about when it comes to space. If we – humanity – don’t become a space-faring civilization. We will become extinct sooner or later.

Earth will eventually become uninhabitable and will probably be devoured by the Sun as it expands during the later years of its life cycle. And that’s hoping nothing else happens before, like an asteroid impact, an ice age, atmospheric loss, climate change, or any other potential threats that could wipe us out, to put it bluntly.

Space exploration is not a luxury for the richest nations. It should be a worldwide priority and every country needs to come together in this effort. It is simply the only way we can hope to survive as a species.

We don’t know if we have millions of years or hundreds of years before any of these events happen. So it’s better to get started today.

• Space exploration can be the doorway to many growth industries such as asteroid mining or space tourism.
• Many medical advancements have been made possible thanks to the aerospace industry.
• Space exploration is critical and the only path to the survival of the human race.

Elena is a Canadian journalist and researcher. She has been looking at the sky for years and hopes to introduce more people to the wonderful hobby that is astronomy.

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The Future of Space Exploration Essay

Space exploration is one of the most rapidly developing science which is known for its high financial implications and advanced cutting-edge technologies. Life beyond the planet was always an object of researches and investigation. Many new developments, equipment, and discoveries from space are notably useful and efficient for improving the level and the quality of life on the Earth. The history of that kind of researches started in ancient times when philosophers tried to investigate the night sky to find out the system of stars arrangement. Since then, studies in this field have progressed in a significant way, and now people even have their own space station in Earth orbit. Nowadays, there are specialized organizations such as the Aerospace Industries Association or American Astronautical Society the goal of which is to explore space. The purpose of this paper is to describe the particularities of space exploration, taking into consideration its advantages and disadvantages for humanity, ethical questions, and predictions about the future of this industry.

Space Exploration

It is an erroneous belief that the exploration of space does not have any impact on the life of ordinary humans. It improves the quality of the life of millions of people every day: the technologies designed for space studies are now used in the medical sphere and for conducting other experiments (Rai et al., 2016). Nevertheless, space research also poses many ethical questions to society concerning colonization, financial resources, and ecological issues. With the advancement of this science, increasingly more questions rest without any answers. For many people who are not very familiar with the topic, it seems to be a complete waste of the governmental budget and just a way for experts to entertain themselves.

In the era of Gagarin and first trips into space, being a cosmonaut was considered to be highly prestigious, respected, and, at the same time, romantic. At the present moment, this science went too far away frthe om basic understanding that people regret that their taxes are spent on the exploration of the place that they would never visit. The attitude of the researchers in this field is rather ambivalent; the main beneficial and negative points of space exploration would be covered in the next parts to make the argumentative and clear statement.

Benefits of Space Exploration

The investigation of space has many advantages for society despite the fact that they are not highly notable for an ordinary person. For example, space researches encourage studies of different types of science (Panesor, 2009). What is more, the young specialists in chemistry, biology, or engineering become interested in the space sphere (Panesor, 2009). It is profitable for both sides – students provide innovative ideas, and the research centers help the new generation of scientists to get the job and to be well-paid. The benefits of space exploration cannot be counted only in money because the impact on society is non-quantifiable. According to Jacksona et al. (2019), a woman plays a crucial role in space studies. Thanks to women-cosmonauts, the level of social inequality declined rapidly in the last decade of the 20th century. A variety of studies show that women and men think and act in contrasting ways. It helps the industry of space exploration to function in a more efficient way considering several distinct points of view.

Negatives of Space Exploration

Space exploration is often claimed to be the sphere for wasting a large sum of money. This industry is one of the most expensive because of the intellectual resources and high-priced equipment details (“Cost of Space Exploration,” 1961). Nonetheless, Baum (2009) proposes the idea of cost-beneficial analysis; from his point of view, it is necessary to keep in mind the ethical risks and the alternative options of the distribution of the budget. In his other study, he raises the issue of the problem of colonization (Baum, 2016). According to his research, if people cannot save nature on the planet, there is no use to attempt to find other places to live. Moreover, the ecological situation becomes significantly severe because of the desire of humans to leave the Earth.

It is important to mention that the cost of space explorations is not always high. It generally depends on the type of research and its goal (“International Space Exploration Coordination Group,” 2013). If the data of previous experiments were used, it would help to make the price for the surveys lower (Battat, 2012). However, it requires more time and effort from the staff and makes this task, not an easy one. Another disadvantage is that it takes years or even decades for inventions and technologies to be a part of the life of ordinary people. The negatives of space exploration are highly notable for society because they cannot see the real impact.

Increase in Space Exploration and Possible Future Impacts

The industry of space studies plays an essential role in the political, social, and economic spheres. If there were more money invested, it might result in a financial crisis in the country. Even though space exploration is supposed to have many non-material benefits and unexpected advantages in the nearest future. For example, the recent developments would be directly integrated into different fields of science. The robotics like the mechanic hand or neurotransmitter are now saving and improving thousands of Roboticsnks to space technologies. The level of intellectual needs in this sphere would encourage cultural and cognitive growth for many people interested in this area of study (Crawford, 2019). If the specialists would not find any place for colonization, it may influence the attitude of the society to the planet and its beautiful nature. People might become more accurate and carrying about the ecological situation on Earth.

Ways of Space Exploration with the Least Damage

First of all, the previous experience and results should be attentively analyzed to make the price of the new inventions lower. Secondly, there should be specialists in public relations who would explain the society why space explorations are too crucial and what are the benefits of it. Finally, space study should become a global issue for developed countries (Krichevsky, 2018). It would reduce the cost for each separate country and would make the process more efficient.

In the modern world, space exploration has its benefits and negatives. The advantages are mostly non-economical and concern the social sphere of life, while the disadvantages are centered around the high costs of the researches. Nevertheless, there are several ways to improve the financial situation and to make the price lower: by using the experience of previous generations or by optimizing the process. Ethical questions should also be taken into consideration and make humanity reflect on ecological and moral questions. Space study is one of the fascinating spheres of science in the 21st century.

• Battat, J. A. (2012). Technology and architecture: Informing investment decisions for the future of human exploration [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Baum, S. (2009). Cost-benefit analysis of space exploration: Some ethical considerations. Space Policy, 25 (2), 75–80.
• Baum, S. (2016). The ethics of outer space: A consequentialist perspective. The Ethics of Space Exploration, 2 (1), 109–123.
• International Space Exploration Coordination Group. (2013). Benefits Stemming from Space Exploration .
• American Association for the Advancement of Science. (1961). Cost of Space Exploration. Science, 133 (3470), 2055–2055.
• Crawford, I. (2019). Widening perspectives: The intellectual and social benefits of Astrobiology, Big History, and the exploration of space. Journal of Big History, 3 (3), 205–224.
• Jacksona, M. S., Knezek, P., Silimon-Hill, M. D., & Cross, M. A. (2019). Women in exploration: Lessons From the past as humanity reaches deep space. International Astronautical Congress, 1 (1), 1–15.
• Krichevsky, S. (2018). Super global projects and environmentally friendly technologies used in space exploration: Realities and prospects of the Space Age. Philosophy and Cosmology, 20 (1), 92–105.
• Panesor, T. (2009). Space: Exploration and exploitation in a modern society . Institute of physics. Web.
• Rai, A., Robinson, J. A., Tate-Brown, J., Buckley, N., Zell, M., Tasaki, K., & Pignataro, S. (2016). Expanded benefits for humanity from the International Space Station. Acta Astronautica , 126 (2 ) , 463–474.
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IvyPanda. (2022, February 17). The Future of Space Exploration. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-future-of-space-exploration/

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1. IvyPanda . "The Future of Space Exploration." February 17, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-future-of-space-exploration/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Future of Space Exploration." February 17, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-future-of-space-exploration/.

• History of Pluto Exploration
• Space Exploration: Attitude & Recent Breakthrough
• International Space Exploration: Improving Human Life
• Space Exploration: The Venus Observation Mission
• Venus: The Object for Research and Space Missions
• Solar System Formation
• “Mega Project: Space Exploration” Scenarios
• Shuttle Columbia Accident: Lessons Learned

Space Technology Essay | Short and Long | One Step Closer to A New Age

Space Technology Essay – Space technology is the use of space science, engineering, and technology. It includes communication satellites, weather satellites, navigation satellites and other Earth observation satellites, such as sensors for observing earth’s natural environment . Let’s dive deeper into space technology essay to fully understand  how this technology can take us into a new age. 

Space Technology

“Earth is the cradle of humanity, but one can’t live in a cradle forever.” It is the natural instinct of the human brain to explore, to discover and to unravel the mysteries of this universe. We humans have a strong curiosity to know what lies beyond the earth and this galaxy. We have a strong urge to know, to witness and then believe. So, it is the human element inside us that tells us to stretch out the vision and look for what actually the universe contains and therefore, for this, man created space technology. Space technology is the technology that is related to entering or retrieving object or life forms from space. It is definitely supported for mankind as it has a wide area of applications such as remote sensing, weather forecasting and space colonization. Operational remote sensing satellites like IRS are providing vital inputs on agriculture, soil, forestry, ocean resources, water and land resources, mineral exploration and flood management. Geostationary satellites have revolutionized the area of communication particularly TV broadcast, education and disaster warning. Astronomy and earth sciences also benefitted a great deal from space technology important operations like mining minerals on the moon and planets, producing products in zero gravity and expounding our environment and raving humanity in case of global destruction all depends on space technology. Space technology not only adds zeal to humanity but also ensures its survival and in this way provides a great common purpose to mankind as a whole. I would like to conclude with these powerful words of Roman cousin, “What was most significant the tumour voyage was not that man set foot on the moon but they set eyes on earth.

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Short essay on the importance of space technology – 150 words.

Space technology has led to many important advances in our daily lives, including GPS systems, satellite television and radio, and space-based weather forecasting.  Space technology has many important applications that can improve our quality of life and safeguard our future.  Space technology has played a vital role in the development of our civilization. It has helped us to Understanding of our place in the universe and the dangers that we face from celestial bodies. It has also given us the ability to communicate with each other and explore new worlds. Space technology has given us a greater understanding of our place in the universe and the dangers that we face from celestial bodies. It has also given us the ability to communicate with each other and explore new worlds. It is an essential part of our civilization and will continue to be so in the future.

Space Technology Essay- 200 Words

Space technology has revolutionized the way we live and work. It has made our lives easier and more comfortable. Space technology has also made us more connected with each other and the world around us. space technology has improved communication, transportation, weather forecasting, and navigation. It has also allowed us to explore and understand our universe better.  Space technology has given us a greater understanding of our place in the universe and the interdependence of all life forms. The use of space technology is not limited to the Earth’s atmosphere; it also extends to outer space.  The exploration of outer space is an important part of space technology. Through space exploration, we have been able to learn more about our solar system and the universe beyond. Space exploration has also led to the development of new technologies that have had a positive impact on our lives.  For example, the development of satellite technology has led to the creation of GPS systems, which are now used by millions of people around the world. The future of space technology is very exciting. We are on the verge of making many new discoveries about our universe. With continued research and development, we will be able to create even more amazing technologies that will improve our lives in ways we can only imagine.

The Importance of Space Technology Essay – 250 Words

Space technology has become increasingly important in recent years, as more and more countries look to establish a presence in outer space. A key reason for this is the fact that space technology can be used for a variety of purposes, including communications, navigation, and surveillance. In terms of communications, space technology is essential for enabling long-distance communication between different parts of the world. For example, satellites can be used to relay signals from one location to another, allowing people to communicate with each other regardless of their location. This is particularly important for countries that are far apart, or for businesses that need to communicate with customers or clients in different parts of the world. In terms of navigation, space technology is used to help ensure that vehicles and vessels remain on course while travelling. This is done through the use of GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites, which can provide accurate information about a vehicle’s location. This is vital for ensuring safe travel, both on land and at sea. Finally, space technology can also be used for surveillance purposes. For example, satellites can be used to monitor activity on Earth, such as weather patterns or movements of people or vehicles. This information can then be used to help plan activities or respond to emergencies. Overall, it is clear that space technology plays a vital role in our modern world. It helps us to communicate with each other, navigate our way around the globe, and keep an eye on what is happening on the Earth.

Essay on Space Science and Technology In 1000 Words

With the rapid development of science and technology, our understanding of the universe and our place in it is constantly expanding. As we explore new frontiers in space, we are also developing new technologies that can be used for a variety of applications here on Earth.  In this essay, we will discuss the role of space technology in our lives and how it is changing the way we live and work. We will also explore some of the challenges associated with space technology and how we can overcome them.

What is Space Technology?

Space technology is the application of technology to the exploration and exploitation of space. It includes the development, manufacture, launch and operation of spacecraft; the construction and launch of satellites; the study of planets and other bodies in space; and the use of space-based assets for communications, navigation, surveillance and other purposes.  Space technology has enabled significant scientific and economic advances for humanity, including the development of satellite communications, GPS and other global navigation systems, Earth observation satellites, human spaceflight and robotic exploration of the solar system. 

History of Space Technology

The history of space technology is a long and complicated one. It began with the early pioneers who first dreamed of reaching the stars and has continued on through the years with the development of ever more advanced technologies.  The first steps in space technology were taken in the early 20th century with the launch of the world’s first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, by the Soviet Union in 1957. This was quickly followed by the launch of Explorer 1 by the United States in 1958, which marked the beginning of the Space Race between the two superpowers. Over the next few decades, space technology developed rapidly as both sides sought to gain an advantage in the Cold War.  In 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first human being to journey into space aboard Vostok 1, while in 1969 Neil Armstrong made history as the first person to walk on the Moon. With the end of the Cold War, space technology entered a new era marked by international cooperation.  In 1990, astronauts from Russia and America shook hands in orbit aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, while in 1998 they worked together on board the International Space Station. Today, space technology is used for a variety of purposes such as communications, navigation, Earth observation and scientific research. And with ongoing efforts to send humans to Mars and beyond, its story is far from over.

The Different Types of Space Technology

There are many different types of space technology, each designed for a specific purpose. 

Here are some of the most common:

Communications satellites: These satellites relay messages and images back to earth. They are used for things like television, radio, and internet communications. Navigation satellites: These satellites help us track our location and find our way around in space. They are used for things like GPS and mapping. Observation satellites: These satellites take pictures of Earth and other planets. They help us learn about the universe and look for signs of life on other planets. Weather satellites: These satellites help us track weather patterns and predict the weather here on Earth.

Space telescopes: These telescopes allow us to see far into space, beyond what we can see with our naked eye. They help us learn about distant stars and galaxies.

Now let’s have a look on the pros and cons of the Space technology as every coin has sides, so space technology is also not an exception- 

The 10 Most Amazing Benefits of Space Technology

1. Space technology has revolutionized communication, making it possible for people to instantly communicate with each other no matter where they are in the world. 2. Space technology has also revolutionized transportation, making it possible to travel great distances in a very short amount of time. 3. Space technology has made it possible to explore and map our solar system and beyond, giving us a greater understanding of the universe, we live in. 4. Space technology has also been used to develop new and improved medical technologies that have saved countless lives. 5. Space technology has provided us with a greater understanding of weather patterns and how they affect our planet, helping us to better predict and prepare for extreme weather events. 6. Space technology has also been used to develop new materials and manufacturing processes that have had a profound impact on our everyday lives. 7. Space technology has had a major impact on agriculture, helping farmers to more accurately predict weather patterns and optimize crop yields. 8. Space technology has also been used to monitor environmental conditions on our planet, providing us with valuable data that can be used to protect our environment. 9. Space technology is also being used to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems, such as developing new sources of energy and finding ways to reduce pollution. 10. Finally, space technology is inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers who will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible,

The 10 Most Alarming Disadvantages of Space Technology

1) Space technology is expensive. The cost of developing and deploying space-based assets can be prohibitive for many countries and organizations. 2) Space technology is often complex and requires a high degree of technical expertise to develop and operate. 3) The environment of space is harsh and unforgiving, and space-based assets are vulnerable to a wide range of potential hazards. 4) The successful use of space technology requires careful planning and coordination among many people and organizations. 5) Space technology can be used for military purposes, which can lead to an escalation of tensions between nations. 6) There is a risk that space-based assets could be used as weapons, either intentionally or accidentally. 7) The reliance on space technology can create dependencies that are difficult to break if problems arise. 8) Space technology can be used for surveillance purposes, which raises privacy concerns. 9) The successful use of space technology often depends on favorable conditions, such as weather or the availability of resources. 10) Disasters or accidents involving space-based assets can have far-reaching consequences.

How Space Technology is Used Today

Space technology is used today in a variety of ways, from communications and weather forecasting to navigation and astronomy. Satellites are perhaps the most visible use of space technology in our everyday lives. They are used for everything from television and radio broadcasting to GPS navigation and weather forecasting.  In fact, it is estimated that there are over 2,000 active satellites orbiting the Earth at any given time. Space technology is also used for more practical purposes such as navigation and astronomy.  For example, the European Space Agency’s Galileo satellite system is used by ships and aircraft to determine their precise location. And NASA’s Kepler spacecraft has discovered thousands of planets beyond our own Solar System. Space technology has even found its way into the medical world, with astronauts performing experiments on the International Space Station that could lead to new treatments for conditions like osteoporosis and muscle atrophy.  So, while you might not see space technology being used in your everyday life, it is actually all around you – helping to keep you safe, informed and connected.

The future of space technology

1. The future of space technology will be defined by the need for faster, more reliable and more affordable access to space. 2. New propulsion technologies will enable faster and more efficient travel through space, making it possible to reach distant destinations in a shorter amount of time. 3. The development of new materials and manufacturing techniques will allow for the construction of lighter and more durable spacecraft, making them more resistant to the harsh conditions of space. 4. Advanced sensors and communication systems will allow for greater situational awareness and control, making it possible to safely navigate through even the most hostile environments. 5. The continued miniaturization of electronics will allow for ever smaller and more efficient spacecraft, making it possible to explore even the most remote corners of the universe. 6. The increasing availability of powerful computing resources will enable the development of ever more sophisticated spacecraft control systems, allowing for greater autonomy and flexibility in operation. 7. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning will allow for the development of smarter and more adaptive spacecraft, capable of making decisions on their own in response to changing conditions. 8. The increasing commercialization of space activities will lead to the development of new markets and business models, providing new opportunities for growth and expansion. 9. The expanding network of international partnerships will create new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing, contributing to the advancement of space technology worldwide.

Space technology has revolutionized the way we live and work. It has provided us with new ways to communicate, navigate, and explore our universe. Space technology has also made it possible for us to better understand our planet and its resources. As we continue to develop new space technologies, we will be able to do even more amazing things in the future.

People Also Ask-

What are 10 ways space technology is benefiting us.

1. Weather forecasting: satellites provide vital data for accurate weather forecasting. 2. Communications: space-based communications systems enable us to stay connected with friends, family and colleagues around the world. 3. Navigation: GPS satellites help us navigate safely to our destination. 4. Earth observation: satellites provide invaluable data for monitoring and understanding our planet’s changing climate and environment. 5. Science and research: space-based telescopes and other instruments are giving us new insights into the universe and the origins of life on Earth. 6. Medical technology: space research is leading to new medical technologies and treatments that can save lives on Earth. 7. Food production: satellite-based precision agriculture is helping farmers to increase crop yields and reduce wastage. 8. Energy: space-based solar power systems could provide a clean, renewable energy source for the future. 9. Disaster relief: satellites can provide vital information for coordinating relief efforts in the aftermath of natural disasters. 10. Exploration: space exploration is inspiring a new generation of scientists and engineers, who will create even more amazing technologies.

What is the importance of space technology?

Space technology is important because it helps us to understand and explore our universe. It also allows us to communicate with other planets and astronauts. Additionally, space technology is used for weather forecasting and predicting natural disasters.

What is meant by space technology?

Space technology is the technology used in the design, construction, operation and application of space vehicles and systems. It encompasses a wide range of technologies from electronics and computers to rockets and satellites. Space technology includes all the technology that is necessary to explore and exploit space. This includes developing new applications and improving existing ones to extend human presence and activity beyond Earth, as well as to enable better understanding of our solar system and the universe beyond.

How is space technology used in everyday human life?

From communications to transportation, weather and beyond, space technology touches nearly every aspect of human life. Many of the services we rely on daily, such as television, GPS navigation and weather forecasting, wouldn’t be possible without satellites.

What are the challenges in space technology?

The biggest challenge in space technology is the cost. It is very expensive to develop and test new space technology. This is why government and private companies are investing heavily in research and development. Another challenge is the risk of failure. Space missions are often complex and there is always the possibility that something could go wrong.

What are the different types of space technologies?

There are many different types of space technologies, but some of the most common are satellites, rockets, and telescopes. Though we have already covered this in the above portion of this post yet have a look again-  Communications satellites: These satellites relay messages and images back to earth. They are used for things like television, radio, and internet communications. Navigation satellites: These satellites help us track our location and find our way around in space. They are used for things like GPS and mapping. Observation satellites: These satellites take pictures of Earth and other planets. They help us learn about the universe and look for signs of life on other planets. Weather satellites: These satellites help us track weather patterns and predict the weather here on Earth. Space telescopes: These telescopes allow us to see far into space, beyond what we can see with our naked eye. They help us learn about distant stars and galaxies.

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Why writing by hand beats typing for thinking and learning

Jonathan Lambert

If you're like many digitally savvy Americans, it has likely been a while since you've spent much time writing by hand.

The laborious process of tracing out our thoughts, letter by letter, on the page is becoming a relic of the past in our screen-dominated world, where text messages and thumb-typed grocery lists have replaced handwritten letters and sticky notes. Electronic keyboards offer obvious efficiency benefits that have undoubtedly boosted our productivity — imagine having to write all your emails longhand.

To keep up, many schools are introducing computers as early as preschool, meaning some kids may learn the basics of typing before writing by hand.

But giving up this slower, more tactile way of expressing ourselves may come at a significant cost, according to a growing body of research that's uncovering the surprising cognitive benefits of taking pen to paper, or even stylus to iPad — for both children and adults.

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In kids, studies show that tracing out ABCs, as opposed to typing them, leads to better and longer-lasting recognition and understanding of letters. Writing by hand also improves memory and recall of words, laying down the foundations of literacy and learning. In adults, taking notes by hand during a lecture, instead of typing, can lead to better conceptual understanding of material.

"There's actually some very important things going on during the embodied experience of writing by hand," says Ramesh Balasubramaniam , a neuroscientist at the University of California, Merced. "It has important cognitive benefits."

While those benefits have long been recognized by some (for instance, many authors, including Jennifer Egan and Neil Gaiman , draft their stories by hand to stoke creativity), scientists have only recently started investigating why writing by hand has these effects.

A slew of recent brain imaging research suggests handwriting's power stems from the relative complexity of the process and how it forces different brain systems to work together to reproduce the shapes of letters in our heads onto the page.

Your brain on handwriting

Both handwriting and typing involve moving our hands and fingers to create words on a page. But handwriting, it turns out, requires a lot more fine-tuned coordination between the motor and visual systems. This seems to more deeply engage the brain in ways that support learning.

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"Handwriting is probably among the most complex motor skills that the brain is capable of," says Marieke Longcamp , a cognitive neuroscientist at Aix-Marseille Université.

Gripping a pen nimbly enough to write is a complicated task, as it requires your brain to continuously monitor the pressure that each finger exerts on the pen. Then, your motor system has to delicately modify that pressure to re-create each letter of the words in your head on the page.

"Your fingers have to each do something different to produce a recognizable letter," says Sophia Vinci-Booher , an educational neuroscientist at Vanderbilt University. Adding to the complexity, your visual system must continuously process that letter as it's formed. With each stroke, your brain compares the unfolding script with mental models of the letters and words, making adjustments to fingers in real time to create the letters' shapes, says Vinci-Booher.

That's not true for typing.

To type "tap" your fingers don't have to trace out the form of the letters — they just make three relatively simple and uniform movements. In comparison, it takes a lot more brainpower, as well as cross-talk between brain areas, to write than type.

Recent brain imaging studies bolster this idea. A study published in January found that when students write by hand, brain areas involved in motor and visual information processing " sync up " with areas crucial to memory formation, firing at frequencies associated with learning.

"We don't see that [synchronized activity] in typewriting at all," says Audrey van der Meer , a psychologist and study co-author at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. She suggests that writing by hand is a neurobiologically richer process and that this richness may confer some cognitive benefits.

Other experts agree. "There seems to be something fundamental about engaging your body to produce these shapes," says Robert Wiley , a cognitive psychologist at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. "It lets you make associations between your body and what you're seeing and hearing," he says, which might give the mind more footholds for accessing a given concept or idea.

Those extra footholds are especially important for learning in kids, but they may give adults a leg up too. Wiley and others worry that ditching handwriting for typing could have serious consequences for how we all learn and think.

What might be lost as handwriting wanes

The clearest consequence of screens and keyboards replacing pen and paper might be on kids' ability to learn the building blocks of literacy — letters.

"Letter recognition in early childhood is actually one of the best predictors of later reading and math attainment," says Vinci-Booher. Her work suggests the process of learning to write letters by hand is crucial for learning to read them.

"When kids write letters, they're just messy," she says. As kids practice writing "A," each iteration is different, and that variability helps solidify their conceptual understanding of the letter.

Research suggests kids learn to recognize letters better when seeing variable handwritten examples, compared with uniform typed examples.

This helps develop areas of the brain used during reading in older children and adults, Vinci-Booher found.

"This could be one of the ways that early experiences actually translate to long-term life outcomes," she says. "These visually demanding, fine motor actions bake in neural communication patterns that are really important for learning later on."

Ditching handwriting instruction could mean that those skills don't get developed as well, which could impair kids' ability to learn down the road.

"If young children are not receiving any handwriting training, which is very good brain stimulation, then their brains simply won't reach their full potential," says van der Meer. "It's scary to think of the potential consequences."

Many states are trying to avoid these risks by mandating cursive instruction. This year, California started requiring elementary school students to learn cursive , and similar bills are moving through state legislatures in several states, including Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina and Wisconsin. (So far, evidence suggests that it's the writing by hand that matters, not whether it's print or cursive.)

Slowing down and processing information

For adults, one of the main benefits of writing by hand is that it simply forces us to slow down.

During a meeting or lecture, it's possible to type what you're hearing verbatim. But often, "you're not actually processing that information — you're just typing in the blind," says van der Meer. "If you take notes by hand, you can't write everything down," she says.

The relative slowness of the medium forces you to process the information, writing key words or phrases and using drawing or arrows to work through ideas, she says. "You make the information your own," she says, which helps it stick in the brain.

Such connections and integration are still possible when typing, but they need to be made more intentionally. And sometimes, efficiency wins out. "When you're writing a long essay, it's obviously much more practical to use a keyboard," says van der Meer.

Still, given our long history of using our hands to mark meaning in the world, some scientists worry about the more diffuse consequences of offloading our thinking to computers.

"We're foisting a lot of our knowledge, extending our cognition, to other devices, so it's only natural that we've started using these other agents to do our writing for us," says Balasubramaniam.

It's possible that this might free up our minds to do other kinds of hard thinking, he says. Or we might be sacrificing a fundamental process that's crucial for the kinds of immersive cognitive experiences that enable us to learn and think at our full potential.

Balasubramaniam stresses, however, that we don't have to ditch digital tools to harness the power of handwriting. So far, research suggests that scribbling with a stylus on a screen activates the same brain pathways as etching ink on paper. It's the movement that counts, he says, not its final form.

Jonathan Lambert is a Washington, D.C.-based freelance journalist who covers science, health and policy.

• handwriting

Many IT organizations deploy servers that are only running at a fraction of their capacity, often because they are dedicating their physical server to a specific application. This is usually an inefficient mechanism because there is an excess capacity that is not being consumed, which leads to higher operating costs and IT costs.

In efforts to drive higher capacity utilization and reduce costs, virtualization was created. This article provides an overview of virtualization and its key components and explains five of the (many) benefits your organization could enjoy through virtualization:

• Slash your IT expenses
• Reduce downtime and enhance resiliency in disaster recovery situations
• Increase efficiency and productivity
• Control independence and DevOps
• Move to be more green-friendly (organizational and environmental)

Virtualization  uses software to create an abstraction layer over the physical hardware. In doing so, it creates a virtual compute system, known as virtual machines (VMs). This allows organizations to run multiple virtual computers, operating systems and applications on a single physical server—essentially partitioning it into multiple virtual servers.

Simply put, one of the main advantages of virtualization is that it’s a more efficient use of the physical computer hardware; this, in turn, provides a greater return on a company’s investment.

See the video for a dive into virtualization technology:

In the simplest terms possible, a  virtual machine (VM)  is a virtual representation of a physical computer. As mentioned earlier, virtualization allows an organization to create multiple virtual machines—each with their own operating system (OS) and applications—on a single physical machine. 

However, a virtual machine can’t interact directly with a physical computer. Instead, it needs a lightweight software layer called a hypervisor to coordinate with the physical hardware upon which it runs.

The  hypervisor  is essential to virtualization—it’s a thin software layer that allows multiple operating systems to run alongside each other and share the same physical computing resources. These operating systems come as the aforementioned virtual machines (VMs)—virtual representations of a physical computer—and the hypervisor assigns each VM its own portion of the underlying computing power, memory and storage. This prevents the VMs from interfering with each other.

Virtualizing your environment can increase scalability while simultaneously reducing expenses. Check out a few of the many benefits that virtualization can bring to your organization:

1. Slash your IT expenses

Using a non-virtualized environment can be inefficient because when you are not consuming the application on the server, the compute is sitting idle and can’t be used for other applications. When you virtualize an environment, that single physical server transforms into many virtual machines. These virtual machines can have different operating systems and run different applications while still all being hosted on the single physical server.

The consolidation of the applications onto virtualized environments is a more cost-effective approach because you’ll be able to consume fewer physical customers, helping you spend significantly less money on servers and bring cost savings to your organization.

2. Reduce downtime and enhance resiliency in disaster recovery situations

When a  disaster  affects a physical server, someone is responsible for replacing or fixing it—this could take hours or even days. With a virtualized environment, it’s easy to provision and deploy, allowing you to replicate or clone the virtual machine that’s been affected.

The recovery process would take mere minutes—as opposed to the hours it would take to provision and set up a new physical server—significantly enhancing the resiliency of the environment and improving business continuity.

3. Increase efficiency and productivity

With fewer servers, your IT teams will be able to spend less time maintaining the physical hardware and IT infrastructure. You’ll be able to install, update and maintain the environment across all the VMs in the virtual environment on the server instead of going through the laborious and tedious process of applying the updates server-by-server. Less time dedicated to maintaining the environment increases your team’s efficiency and productivity.

4. Control independence and DevOps

Since the virtualized environment is segmented into virtual machines, your developers can quickly spin up a virtual machine without impacting a production environment. This is ideal for development and testing, as the developer can quickly clone the virtual machine and run a test on the environment.

For example, if a new software patch has been released, someone can clone the virtual machine and apply the latest software update, test the environment, and then pull it into their production application. This increases the speed and agility of an application.

5. Move to be more green-friendly (organizational and environmental)

When you are able to cut down on the number of physical servers you’re using, it’ll lead to a reduction in the amount of power being consumed. This has two green benefits:

• It reduces expenses for the business, and that money can be reinvested elsewhere.
• It reduces the carbon footprint of the  data center .

Virtualization is a powerful tool that helps relieve administrative overhead while increasing cost savings, scalability and efficiency. Despite being created decades ago, virtualization continues to be a catalyst for companies’ IT strategies. The importance of virtualization is being exponentially accelerated as companies look at their IT modernization journey, and the benefits listed in this article are just the tip of the iceberg.

IBM Cloud®  offers a full complement of cloud-based virtualization solutions, spanning public cloud services through to private and hybrid cloud offerings. You can use it to create and run  virtual infrastructure  and also take advantage of services ranging from cloud-based AI to  VMware workload migration with IBM Cloud for VMware Solutions .

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