Enhancing Earth with space technologies: Applying breakthroughs in space on Earth

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• August 1, 2023

Insight highlights

Space technologies have positively impacted Earth through breakthrough innovations, such as GPS navigation and computed tomography scans. As more companies exhibit interest in exploring the benefits of space, satellites are being launched to help in Earth's weather prediction, climate observation, and disaster tracking. These advancements offer new possibilities for sustainable satellite deployment and climate issue solutions while stimulating related industries and creating jobs.

Enhancing Earth with space technologies context

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has projected that since 1976, over 2,000 derivatives of NASA's technologies have contributed positively to life on Earth through commercial products. Some of these include mobile phones with cameras, scratch-proof polarized eyewear, computed tomography scans, LED advancements, methods for clearing landmines, sports shoes, thermal blankets, systems for purifying water, handheld vacuum cleaners, ear thermometers, insulation for homes, insulin pumps, GPS based navigation, meteorological predictions, and flame-retardant fibers.

With increasing investments from companies in commercial space exploration, several satellite launches have occurred since 2021. One of them is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Joint Polar Satellite System-2 (JPSS-2), launched in 2022 to help predict crucial weather phenomena, contribute to daily weather forecasting, and observe shifts in climate change. The satellite has advanced tools that see through clouds like an x-ray, visualize natural phenomena like hurricanes and wildfires, and track atmospheric ozone and particles from volcanoes and wildfires.

Meanwhile, sustainable space company Outpost Technologies announced a USD $7 million Series Seed round in 2022. The company has created and successfully tested a unique re-entry method allowing satellites to return to Earth with precision landing. This breakthrough makes single-use satellites a thing of the past and paves the way for the aerospace industry to achieve specific payload return to Earth.

Disruptive impact

As commercial space exploration becomes more accessible, companies will likely partner with spacecraft and satellite manufacturers to launch their customized satellites (or constellation of satellites) and conduct experiments. For example, in 2022, consultancy firm Accenture invested in Bangalore-based Pixxel, which is developing the world's highest-resolution hyperspectral imaging satellite constellation. This project offers artificial intelligence (AI)-driven insights to solve and predict climate issues cost-effectively.

The military is also set to benefit from a rapidly expanding satellite network, allowing them to use AI/machine learning (ML) algorithms to process data faster. For example, in February 2022, the US Pentagon's Joint Artificial Intelligence (JAIC) completed its integration of AI in joint military operations to optimize decision-making. With an estimated 4,800 operational satellites, data can be processed more accurately, cutting down decision-making time, and automating the tasks of human operators.

Other innovations and experiments in space can benefit Earth in the future. One is food production under harsh conditions, which can solve the agricultural challenges caused by the lack of farmlands and extreme weather conditions. In 2022, a SpaceX mission carried food products, including tomatoes, yogurt, and kefir, as part of the food experiments conducted by the International Space Station (ISS). One of the experiments is growing dwarf tomatoes that can supplement astronauts' diets during long-term missions. However, results can also inform researchers on Earth how to optimize food processing to maintain its nutritional value.

Implications of enhancing Earth with space technologies

Wider implications of enhancing Earth with space technologies may include: 

• Space advancements stimulating the growth of related industries on Earth, such as information technology, materials science, and robotics. 
• More jobs across various sectors, including research and development, manufacturing, operations, and services. 
• Space technology helping formulate strategies for environmental protection and disaster management by providing accurate data on climate change, deforestation, and ocean pollution.
• Nations with advanced space technology potentially exerting greater influence on the global stage. Space technology can also provide a platform for international cooperation, promoting diplomacy and peaceful collaboration. However, the militarization of space could also lead to increased geopolitical tensions.
• Satellites facilitating telecommunication services, enabling remote education and telemedicine. This development can significantly enhance the quality of life in remote and underdeveloped regions, potentially reducing social inequalities.
• Satellite imagery and data helping improve agricultural productivity by providing information about soil quality, crop health, and weather patterns. This feature can improve crop yield and resource use efficiency, contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture.
• Space travel technologies influencing future aircraft design, including more sustainable options like synthetic fuels and biodegradable parts.

Questions to consider

• What other space technologies can help improve life on Earth?
• How can companies and governments cooperate better to ensure that breakthroughs in space are being applied to Earth?