Governments, scientists and the business community have been searching for solutions for sustainable development on Earth for a long time. Many propose the solutions are in Space. But how?
During several sessions held during the International Astronautical Congress 2022 in Paris, many scholars and business leaders shared their thoughts. They believe Space exploration can provide a unique perspective on Earth, while its technology can help improve our lives.
Observing the earth from space
Out of more than 4,500 satellites flying in Space, over 150 are observing Earth from their orbit. These 'eyes in the sky' provide necessary data to better protect the environment and the people.
Aerial view of a deforested area of the Amazonia rainforest in the city of Humaita, Amazonas state, Brazil, on September 15, 2022. (Photo by MICHAEL DANTAS via VCG)
Forests are a crucial factor for the ecological environment, providing carbon sinks and a habitat to many different kinds of spices. Deforestation is a direct threat to the climate.
TropiSco is a system developed by the French Space Agency and the private sector to provide mapping of forests, which shows the effects in south-east Asia, Gabon, and Guiana Shield since 2018.
Annual and monthly data are provided to these countries, to combat illegal logging and mining, illegal agriculture crops, and wildlife trafficking.
Besides deforestation, Earth observation is also used for disaster preparation and sea-level monitoring.
Applying Space technology on Earth
Resources in Space, especially on space stations, can be very limited. Water, for example. To make full use of water, Soichi Noguchi, a Japanese astronaut who lived in the International Space Station (ISS) for 161 days, said he had to drink purified urine.
A water reclamation unit is installed on the ISS to recycle, distillate and process urine and washing water, to provide necessary life support to astronauts. This technology was later introduced to Saudi Arabia for water purification.
By applying this technology, recycled water on Earth could also be used to recharge underground aquifers or flush the toilet. Therefore increasing the availability of potable water for drinking and cooking, according to NASA.
Potential future development
When asked what he wants to improve about Space, Soichi's answer was the capacity to remove carbon dioxide. He believes the current technology applied in the ISS could be improved to a stage that carbon dioxide is used as a raw material to produce goods.
If this technology is successful, it would really benefit curbing global warming on Earth. Where there is necessity, there is innovation, says Soichi.