INTERSECTION OF SPACE TECHNOLOGY, POLICY, AND HUMANITY
INTERSECTION OF SPACE TECHNOLOGY, POLICY, AND HUMANITY
USING SPACE TECHNOLOGIES FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
In an increasingly connected and changing world, we need global solutions for humanity. Space technologies such as satellite earth observation, satellite communication, and microgravity research can benefit life on Earth, create market opportunities and foster economic development.
SPACE SUSTAINABILITY: PRESERVING AND PROTECTING THE SPACE ENVIRONMENT
The global space community is witnessing a rapid increase in creative business models and new technologies that are leading to plans to launch thousands of satellites into Low Earth Orbit. The number of satellites being proposed is much greater than the historical patterns that have been seen globally to date, leading to a growing risk that the capacity of Earth orbit to accommodate such a large set of new space objects safely may be in jeopardy.
The evolution of Africa’s satellite programs is rapidly changing from its early beginnings, catalyzed by new stakeholders, significant domestic and foreign investments, and new avenues of public-private partnerships. A key development in recent years has been the establishment of the African Space Agency and African Space Strategy, setting a framework of cooperation, coordination, and promotion of space activities among nations on the continent by leveraging national competencies and facilitating regional-level programmes.
EMERGING ENTREPRENEURIAL TRENDS DRIVING SPACE AND INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS
Equipped with the expertise in local contextual factors and the understanding of end user needs, innovators across the world are harnessing satellite technology to drive a social-tech movement aimed at improving socio-economic, political and environmental challenges in their respective cities, countries and regions.