6 space technologies we can use to improve life on Earth

Learn more about the work of Professor Wood in the Space Enabled Research Group at the MIT Media Lab. The mission of Space Enabled is to advance justice in earth’s complex systems using designs enabled by space. Dr. Wood and her team accomplish this mission by combining skills in satellite engineering, complex systems modeling, social science and user-centered design.

Dr. Wood explains the ways that space technology contributes to development and improves life on earth. Chapters 1 and 2 provide an overview of key changes in the space sector as smaller, cheaper satellites become more accessible to countries around the world. Dr. Wood also gives detailed case studies showing how new countries are increasing their participation in satellite engineering and applying space technology for development.

Natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes and floods often damage communications infrastructure. The International Telecommunications Union is one of the organizations that deploys satellite communication systems and other information technologies in countries that are impacted by natural disasters. Read examples of ITU activities to provide satellite-based telephones in nations around the world during disaster recovery.

The NASA Applied Sciences Program, within the NASA Earth Science Division, works to promote the use of satellite-based earth observation and models for societal benefit. The program funds research, outreach and training in the areas of ecological forecasting, water resources, disasters, agriculture and health and air quality.

The Center for Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) is a non-profit organization that manages access to the research facilities on the US Laboratory within the International Space Station. CASIS helps companies and researchers prepare and operate research experiments on the International Space Station in the microgravity environment, where the impacts of earth’s gravity are not felt. Scientists have completed projects that support drug development, advanced materials, medicine and earth observation.

In the annual Spinoff publication, NASA showcases exciting examples of NASA technology, engineering methods and science findings that have been transferred from the space sector to be used for societal benefit. Read about advances in health, public safety and consumer goods that were enabled by NASA technology. You can also search the NASA Spinoff database to find more stories in your field of interest. Search the NASA software and patent catalogs to find tools you can use in your.

Space technology is not yet benefiting communities around the globe to an equal extent. Historical forces driven by racist and colonialist ideas have created systems of education, commerce and international cooperation that concentrated control of advanced technology into hands of the wealthy and elite. Ibram Kendi’s deeply researched book, Stamped from the Beginning, provides insightful historical analysis that helps explain how racist ideas have been employed by those with economic and political power in order to maintain their position. Although this book is not explicitly about access to technology, it is a must read for those who wish to understand how racial inequality has been consistently maintained by discrimination and racist ideas. The book argues that we can pursue equality by acknowledging our deeply held racist ideas and consciously practicing antiracist thinking to design antiracist policies.