T004 // Space Geopolitics
Plus A green path to space sustainability and the role of space data in the energy sector
FIG. 01 · T004 COVERREC ●TRANSMISSION T004#LAUNCHPADIn today’s edition
G’day — and welcome to the 118 Trailblazers who have joined us since last time!
We’re Trailblazers, the Space Newsletter that navigates the delicate dance of geopolitics in space, where nations leap and twirl in a ballet of power, ambition, and the occasional moonwalk.
- #EVENTHORIZONThe Geopolitical Impact of Space Technology
- #SPACESUSTAINABILITYThe Green Path to Space Sustainability
- #STARGRAPHCost to Get Material into Earth Orbit
- #PRODUCTIVITY5 Resources to Boost Your Workflows
- #INTHELOOPTech Trends on Earth Shaping Our Future in Space
- #GHOSTINTHEMACHINESpace Exploration Scenes as Video Games
#TOGETHERWITHSpace Pros: Achieve More in 2024 with Goal Setting!
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#NEWSSpace Economy Bites & Snaps
Space Data & Smart Grids
The EU Agency for Space Programmes (EUSPA) emphasizes the crucial role of space data in the energy sector, notably for grid balancing and monitoring. Utilizing Earth observation and GNSS data enhances network resilience, supports climate-related assessments, and improves renewable energy integration. This synergy between space technology and energy infrastructure offers innovative solutions for pressing global challenges, marking a significant step towards sustainable and efficient energy management.
Private Moon Landing
America's space strategy shifts ever more from public to private, with Intuitive Machines aiming for a historic lunar landing. As the race against global rivals like China intensifies, this approach offers both opportunities and challenges in maintaining leadership in space achievements. The success of this mission could redefine the future of lunar exploration and underscore the critical role of private enterprises in advancing space frontiers.
- SNAP · 01Satellite Strategy: Telcos ignoring satellite integration risk missing out on significant revenue streams, as satellites offer new growth avenues in an evolving telecom landscape
- SNAP · 02Space Boom: Euroconsult predicts a $75 billion surge in the Middle East's space sector by 2032, marking a pivotal shift in global space dynamics.
- SNAP · 03Methane Crisis: Over 1,200 Super-Emitter Events Detected by Satellites, Highlighting an Urgent Call for Advanced Waste Management and Methane Reduction Strategies.
- SNAP · 04Tech Leadership: Arvind Srinivasan, veteran of Google, Apple, and Meta, becomes Maxar Intelligence's CTO, signaling a tech infusion in geospatial intelligence.
- SNAP · 05Space Surgery: MIRA's mission takes medical innovation to the stars, promising a revolution in how we perform surgery both on Earth and in space, ensuring healthcare's leap into the future.
#MARKETWATCHInvesting in the Universe
| FUND | PRICE | CHANGE |
|---|---|---|
| Procure Space ETF (UFO) | $17.06 | ▲ +1.7% |
| RK Space Exploration and Innovation (ARKX) | $14.83 | ▲ +1.2% |
| S&P Kensho Final Frontiers (ROKT) | $43.55 | ▲ +0.9% |
#EVENTHORIZONTrends in Space, Tech, and AI
The Geopolitical Impact of Space Technology
Commercial space technology now plays a visible role in modern conflict. The war in Ukraine shows it clearly.
Satellite internet has helped keep Ukraine’s communications running, despite repeated attempts to cut them. Thousands of Starlink terminals were sent to the country early in the war. It is striking that devices linked to satellites hundreds of kilometres above us have become lifelines on the ground.
This raises a wider question. Space technology is dual-use. A service built to connect homes, schools and ships can also support military operations. The same is true of satellite imagery and navigation signals.
The law has not caught up. The Outer Space Treaty makes each state responsible for the space activities of its companies. But it was written long before private operators provided services in a war zone. How should those services be treated in a conflict? These questions sit with governments, and they need clear answers.
This is the broader point for the space economy. Conflicts on the ground now reach into orbit. As space becomes more important to security, governments need clear policies on how commercial space services are used in conflict.
#STARGRAPHCost to Get Material into Earth Orbit
Space-sourced materials, notably lunar samples, represent significant costs, but space-based solar power (SBSP) could economically facilitate mass material assembly in orbit for future space development.
#SPACESUSTAINABILITYThe Green Path to Space Sustainability
If you are interested in the future of space activities and how they can be more sustainable, you might want to check out this paper by Nonthapat Pulsiri and Victor Dos Santos Paulino. It's in the International Journal of Technology Management and Sustainable Development.
This paper analyzes space sustainability literature. It focuses on challenges and solutions for near-Earth space, where most satellites and spacecraft operate. The authors highlight space sustainability's importance for ensuring the long-term viability of space activities for the benefit of all.
The paper reveals some interesting trends and insights, such as:
Publications on space sustainability surged post-2016. This shows rising interest and awareness in the field among researchers and practitioners.
Core publications come from the space sector. Journals like Acta Astronautica and Space Policy lead. Yet, interdisciplinary work from other fields is needed, such as management, innovation, entrepreneurship and politics.
The country collaboration network shows that Europe is the most active and cohesive region in space sustainability research, followed by the Anglo-Pacific and Eurasian clusters. However, there is still room for more global cooperation and dialogue among all stakeholders.
The main emerging theories that underpin the concept of space sustainability are governance theory and regime theory, which can help design and implement effective policies and practices for managing space debris and other related issues. However, there are also other promising perspectives, such as intellectual property theory, geopolitical theory, game theory, value theory and circular economy theory, that require more attention and development.
The paper also discusses the implications and recommendations for further research and practice, such as:
The need for a comprehensive and clear definition of space sustainability, as well as a common framework and indicators for measuring and monitoring it.
The importance of fostering international cooperation and coordination among public and private actors to address the common challenges and opportunities in near-Earth outer space. This also includes civil society and environmental groups.
The potential of applying circular economy principles and practices to space activities. Reusing and recycling space objects and resources can reduce waste and environmental impact, and create new value and opportunities.
The role of innovation and entrepreneurship in developing new technologies and business models that can enhance space sustainability and competitiveness.
The paper offers a thorough overview and suggestions for future progress. It's another valuable tool for those interested in sustainable space development.
To delve deeper, access the paper here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377636109.
We would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on this topic, so feel free to contact us on LinkedIn.
Let's work together to make space more sustainable for everyone!
#PRODUCTIVITY5 Resources to Boost Your Workflows
- TOOL · 01InSummary → Automates status reports and updates by analyzing your calendar, offering free, weekly, categorized reports on time management and work summary.
- TOOL · 02Reclaim AI → Reclaim is an AI-powered app that boosts team productivity by creating 40% more time — it automates scheduling for tasks, habits, meetings, and breaks.
- TOOL · 03NotionPROMOTED → A collaboration platform that allows you to create, organize, and share various types of content, such as wikis, projects, notes, and documents.
- TOOL · 04Space Safety Magazine - Space Economy → Covers the space economy's scope, resources use, business implications, industry activities, and socio-economic impacts from space investments.
- TOOL · 05Asia and the New Space Economy → This video delves into the topic of Asia and the New Space Economy, providing region-specific perspectives on the evolving space industry.
#INTHELOOPTech Trends on Earth Shaping Our Future in Space
Sustainable Score
Las Vegas Raiders and Allegiant Stadium's Big Game Powered by 100% Carbon-Free Energy, Setting a New Standard for Sports Sustainability
Bold Moves, Baffling Words
Elon Musk's perplexing comments on Tesla's supercomputer, Dojo, spark intrigue and skepticism. Is the tech titan losing his touch, or is it all part of the plan?
Robotic Surgery Risks
Fatal incident in Florida spotlights the dangers of robotic-assisted surgeries. Is innovation outpacing safety?
Bold Ambition in AI
Sam Altman aims to raise a staggering $7 trillion for a new AI hardware venture, potentially revolutionizing chip manufacturing and AI training capabilities
Energy Storage Ascends
BYD and Tesla led the energy storage revolution in 2023, with BYD's significant market leap and Tesla's solid performance signaling a competitive and evolving landscape
Air Quality Alert
Climate Change Reverses Progress on Air Quality, with Wildfires Majorly to Blame, Highlights Urgent Need for Adaptation and Policy Shifts.
#GHOSTINTHEMACHINESpace Exploration Scenes as Video Games
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06EOFUntil Next Time
#MISSIONDEBRIEFGetting Better Together
I value your opinion, so if you have specific advice or anything interesting you’d like to share, please let me know on LinkedIn.
Thank you for reading and see you at the next orbit!
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