By Anne Agi
When we think of space, we think of going to the Moon and going
to Mars and all the other planets; and we think Yuri Gagarin and
Neil Armstrong. However, we fail to realise that the simple
everyday things of life which affect us are as a result of space
technology: telecommunication, transmission of information, GPS
location services and tracking transponders in the air and sea. We
take all these for granted. Telecommunication, GPS navigation and
timing technology satellites are in space. Without them, financial
institutions would not function and so we may not be able to do
“internet banking” or withdraw money from automated teller machines
(ATMs). We would lose all satellite-based television and internet
and weather forecast. There will be no travel by air or sea using
transponders and Instagram would not work on some phones; there
would be no Facebook or Twitter or Webinars (horrors of all
horrors!). Some hospital systems need satellite integration to
function, too.
Space science offers several benefits to man in all his fields
of endeavour.
A. Education: Space-based technologies, such as
satellite communications, web and videoconferencing and voice over
internet protocol allow educators and students to create virtual
classrooms, regardless of their physical locations. Other versions
of distance learning allow learners to access web-based course
materials on their own schedules, and communication between
students and teachers may take place through e-mails, message
boards or video recordings.
Beyond facilitating programme delivery, space also plays an
inspirational role in education. Classes on space topics often
spark students’ curiosity and imagination and encourage youth to
become increasingly involved in the sciences. Furthermore, the
excitement of space travel gets young people interested in space
science. Astronauts, a source of inspiration to the public,
encourage and motivate young people to study in fields of science,
technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Experiments performed in space help us understand the health
problems associated with aging and sedentary lifestyles. The effect
of zero gravity on aging issues, heart issues, and bone marrow and
density issues are studied to improve our understanding of the
human body.
B. Satellites in our daily lives: Since the
first satellite was launched into orbit in 1957, space technology
has evolved rapidly. Today, a growing number of satellites orbit
the Earth, making various earth observations, communications, aero
and ocean navigations and science applications possible. Flights
and ships are directed on their courses by data sourced from
satellite imagery. Land transportation (shuttles, ubers) also uses
maps sourced by satellite imagery.
C. Agriculture: In Agriculture, space-based
technology is of value to farmers, agronomists, food manufacturers
and agricultural policymakers who wish to simultaneously enhance
production and profitability. Remote-sensing satellites provide key
data for monitoring soil, snow cover, drought and crop development.
Rainfall assessments from satellites, for example, help farmers
plan the timing and amount of irrigation they will need for their
crops. Accurate information and analyses can also help predict a
region’s agricultural output well in advance and can be critical in
anticipating and mitigating the effects of food shortages and
famines. In agricultural regions near the fringes of the Sahara
desert, scientists used satellite images to predict where locust
swarms were breeding and were able to prevent the locusts from
swarming, thus saving large areas of cropland.
D. The environment: For the environment,
space-based technologies, such as remotely sensed data, have
enhanced scientific understanding of water cycles, air quality,
forests and other aspects of the natural environment. Because
remote-sensing satellites cover the entire globe, they are
important for the study of large-scale phenomena like ocean
circulations, climate change, desertification and deforestation.
Satellites make it possible to monitor environmental changes caused
by human activity and natural processes. Because data are collected
in a consistent manner, satellites can reveal subtle changes that
might otherwise remain undetected. For example, the well known
Ozone Hole over the Antarctica and the phenomena of atmospheric
ozone depletion were discovered using satellites.
Space, with the help of remote-sensing satellites, provides a
unique vantage point from which to monitor the Arctic and the
oceans and the creatures in these regions and respond effectively
to the distinct challenges and opportunities found therein.
E. Disaster and risk management: Climate change
has various consequences, including floods, hurricanes, droughts,
wildfires, melting of polar icecaps, and rising sea levels. Several
satellites monitor signs of climate change, such as melting ice and
rising waters and the data collected are thus used to better
understand this global phenomenon, propose more effective solutions
and evacuate humans from danger paths, aiding in disaster and risk
management. The use of space for collection of data therefore
cannot be overemphasised as it is a disaster management tool used
to provide early warning signals of natural disasters which help to
mitigate the consequences of these natural disasters.
F. Communication: Daily life for a large
portion of the world’s population now involves sharing information
via mobile phones, personal computers and other electronic
communication devices. Space-based technologies, namely
communications satellites, enable global telecommunications systems
by relaying signals with voice, video and data to and from one or
many locations. Long distance and overseas calls would be
impossible without satellites to effect talking on cellular phones!
Communications satellites are the most economical way to connect
world communities, even the most remote, with the advanced services
needed to compete in the global knowledge economy.
G. Medical Research and scientific discoveries:
Researchers conduct many important scientific experiments onboard
the International Space Station towards understanding
cardiovascular health, investigating bone strength, heart health,
and immune system changes in microgravity, testing astronaut
disorientation with virtual reality, studying plant biology,
monitoring radiation, testing reflexes and skin sensitivity and
generally making the Space Station feel like home.
Furthermore, some medical technologies are inspired by robotics
in space. Some of these include performing risky surgical
operations using minimally invasive surgeries or revolutionizing
neurosurgery with robots and other spin-offs from space
technology.
H. Sustainable Development/Planning:
Space-based technologies provide unique tools for planning socially
and environmentally sustainable human settlements. Remote-sensing
technology has helped mapmakers. With satellite imagery, they can
produce maps in a fraction of the time it would take using
laborious ground surveys.
I. International Peace: In a bid to understand
space travel, several countries go into partnerships which promote
world solidarity and peace. For instance, 5 entities (Russia,
Japan, Canada, the United States and Europe (11Atates via the
European Space Agency)) are partners of the International Space
Station (ISS), a research laboratory in space that orbits the
Earth. The ISS has many pressurized modules or habitable sections
filled with breathable air. Every day, the ISS circles the Earth 16
times, a distance roughly equal to a round trip to the Moon!
In 1958, shortly after the launch of the first artificial
satellite, the General Assembly of the United Nations decided to
establish an ad hoc Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
(COPOUS). Since that time COPOUS has evolved, and the Committee and
its two Subcommittees have become unique platforms for States to
come together to review the scope of international cooperation in
peaceful uses of outer space, encourage continued research and the
dissemination of information on outer space matters, and study
legal questions arising from the exploration of outer space.
J. International Security: Satellites in space
also help in fighting insecurity. The global monitoring of and
reconnaissance of trouble spots to gather intelligence or to follow
flight patterns of crime lords or understand high crime
neighbourhoods is made possible via the use of satellites launched
into space.
K. Jobs: Several countries are leaders in space
robotics or have space programs which create employment for
citizens. Jobs, internships and career opportunities abound in the
space field.
Careers in space include:
Astronauts who are modern-day explorers who travel beyond the
Earth to help discover new scientific knowledge.
Engineers, who design, build and maintain systems and spacecraft
using math, science and technical knowledge.
Lawyers who draft space law and policies, multilateral space
agreements and commercial agreements for space travels, exploration
and mining.
Medical doctors and health science experts who provide astronauts
with clinical support and conduct research on how space affects
organisms.
Microbiologists/Scientists who study various phenomena and
develop theories based on scientific observation.
Technologists/technicians who construct, test and operate space
equipment and instruments.
Info graphics, visuals and images professionals related to
careers in the space sector.
CONCLUSION
Space presents a unique opportunity for cooperation in using and
sharing enabling infrastructure and data towards the proactive
management of disease outbreaks, natural resources and the
environment, responses to natural hazards and disasters, weather
forecasting, climate change mitigation and adaptation, agriculture
and food security, peacekeeping missions and conflict
resolution.
It is therefore imperative that Nigeria must without delay
improve on its space technological infrastructure by adequately
funding its space agency and revving its space policy to compete
with advanced nations.
ANNE AGI, LL.M is a legal practitioner, space
law enthusiast, member of Women in Aerospace Africa and co-founder
and trustee of the LEARNSPACE FOUNDATION. She can
be reached on 08057311292. Email:
anneagi@yahoo.com
By Anne Agi
When we think of space, we think of going to the Moon and going
to Mars and all the other planets; and we think Yuri Gagarin and
Neil Armstrong. However, we fail to realise that the simple
everyday things of life which affect us are as a result of space
technology: telecommunication, transmission of information, GPS
location services and tracking transponders in the air and sea. We
take all these for granted. Telecommunication, GPS navigation and
timing technology satellites are in space. Without them, financial
institutions would not function and so we may not be able to do
“internet banking” or withdraw money from automated teller machines
(ATMs). We would lose all satellite-based television and internet
and weather forecast. There will be no travel by air or sea using
transponders and Instagram would not work on some phones; there
would be no Facebook or Twitter or Webinars (horrors of all
horrors!). Some hospital systems need satellite integration to
function, too.
Space science offers several benefits to man in all his fields
of endeavour.
A. Education: Space-based technologies, such as
satellite communications, web and videoconferencing and voice over
internet protocol allow educators and students to create virtual
classrooms, regardless of their physical locations. Other versions
of distance learning allow learners to access web-based course
materials on their own schedules, and communication between
students and teachers may take place through e-mails, message
boards or video recordings.
Beyond facilitating programme delivery, space also plays an
inspirational role in education. Classes on space topics often
spark students’ curiosity and imagination and encourage youth to
become increasingly involved in the sciences. Furthermore, the
excitement of space travel gets young people interested in space
science. Astronauts, a source of inspiration to the public,
encourage and motivate young people to study in fields of science,
technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Experiments performed in space help us understand the health
problems associated with aging and sedentary lifestyles. The effect
of zero gravity on aging issues, heart issues, and bone marrow and
density issues are studied to improve our understanding of the
human body.
B. Satellites in our daily lives: Since the
first satellite was launched into orbit in 1957, space technology
has evolved rapidly. Today, a growing number of satellites orbit
the Earth, making various earth observations, communications, aero
and ocean navigations and science applications possible. Flights
and ships are directed on their courses by data sourced from
satellite imagery. Land transportation (shuttles, ubers) also uses
maps sourced by satellite imagery.
C. Agriculture: In Agriculture, space-based
technology is of value to farmers, agronomists, food manufacturers
and agricultural policymakers who wish to simultaneously enhance
production and profitability. Remote-sensing satellites provide key
data for monitoring soil, snow cover, drought and crop development.
Rainfall assessments from satellites, for example, help farmers
plan the timing and amount of irrigation they will need for their
crops. Accurate information and analyses can also help predict a
region’s agricultural output well in advance and can be critical in
anticipating and mitigating the effects of food shortages and
famines. In agricultural regions near the fringes of the Sahara
desert, scientists used satellite images to predict where locust
swarms were breeding and were able to prevent the locusts from
swarming, thus saving large areas of cropland.
D. The environment: For the environment,
space-based technologies, such as remotely sensed data, have
enhanced scientific understanding of water cycles, air quality,
forests and other aspects of the natural environment. Because
remote-sensing satellites cover the entire globe, they are
important for the study of large-scale phenomena like ocean
circulations, climate change, desertification and deforestation.
Satellites make it possible to monitor environmental changes caused
by human activity and natural processes. Because data are collected
in a consistent manner, satellites can reveal subtle changes that
might otherwise remain undetected. For example, the well known
Ozone Hole over the Antarctica and the phenomena of atmospheric
ozone depletion were discovered using satellites.
Space, with the help of remote-sensing satellites, provides a
unique vantage point from which to monitor the Arctic and the
oceans and the creatures in these regions and respond effectively
to the distinct challenges and opportunities found therein.
E. Disaster and risk management: Climate change
has various consequences, including floods, hurricanes, droughts,
wildfires, melting of polar icecaps, and rising sea levels. Several
satellites monitor signs of climate change, such as melting ice and
rising waters and the data collected are thus used to better
understand this global phenomenon, propose more effective solutions
and evacuate humans from danger paths, aiding in disaster and risk
management. The use of space for collection of data therefore
cannot be overemphasised as it is a disaster management tool used
to provide early warning signals of natural disasters which help to
mitigate the consequences of these natural disasters.
F. Communication: Daily life for a large
portion of the world’s population now involves sharing information
via mobile phones, personal computers and other electronic
communication devices. Space-based technologies, namely
communications satellites, enable global telecommunications systems
by relaying signals with voice, video and data to and from one or
many locations. Long distance and overseas calls would be
impossible without satellites to effect talking on cellular phones!
Communications satellites are the most economical way to connect
world communities, even the most remote, with the advanced services
needed to compete in the global knowledge economy.
G. Medical Research and scientific discoveries:
Researchers conduct many important scientific experiments onboard
the International Space Station towards understanding
cardiovascular health, investigating bone strength, heart health,
and immune system changes in microgravity, testing astronaut
disorientation with virtual reality, studying plant biology,
monitoring radiation, testing reflexes and skin sensitivity and
generally making the Space Station feel like home.
Furthermore, some medical technologies are inspired by robotics
in space. Some of these include performing risky surgical
operations using minimally invasive surgeries or revolutionizing
neurosurgery with robots and other spin-offs from space
technology.
H. Sustainable Development/Planning:
Space-based technologies provide unique tools for planning socially
and environmentally sustainable human settlements. Remote-sensing
technology has helped mapmakers. With satellite imagery, they can
produce maps in a fraction of the time it would take using
laborious ground surveys.
I. International Peace: In a bid to understand
space travel, several countries go into partnerships which promote
world solidarity and peace. For instance, 5 entities (Russia,
Japan, Canada, the United States and Europe (11Atates via the
European Space Agency)) are partners of the International Space
Station (ISS), a research laboratory in space that orbits the
Earth. The ISS has many pressurized modules or habitable sections
filled with breathable air. Every day, the ISS circles the Earth 16
times, a distance roughly equal to a round trip to the Moon!
In 1958, shortly after the launch of the first artificial
satellite, the General Assembly of the United Nations decided to
establish an ad hoc Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
(COPOUS). Since that time COPOUS has evolved, and the Committee and
its two Subcommittees have become unique platforms for States to
come together to review the scope of international cooperation in
peaceful uses of outer space, encourage continued research and the
dissemination of information on outer space matters, and study
legal questions arising from the exploration of outer space.
J. International Security: Satellites in space
also help in fighting insecurity. The global monitoring of and
reconnaissance of trouble spots to gather intelligence or to follow
flight patterns of crime lords or understand high crime
neighbourhoods is made possible via the use of satellites launched
into space.
K. Jobs: Several countries are leaders in space
robotics or have space programs which create employment for
citizens. Jobs, internships and career opportunities abound in the
space field.
Careers in space include:
Astronauts who are modern-day explorers who travel beyond the
Earth to help discover new scientific knowledge.
Engineers, who design, build and maintain systems and spacecraft
using math, science and technical knowledge.
Lawyers who draft space law and policies, multilateral space
agreements and commercial agreements for space travels, exploration
and mining.
Medical doctors and health science experts who provide astronauts
with clinical support and conduct research on how space affects
organisms.
Microbiologists/Scientists who study various phenomena and
develop theories based on scientific observation.
Technologists/technicians who construct, test and operate space
equipment and instruments.
Info graphics, visuals and images professionals related to
careers in the space sector.
CONCLUSION
Space presents a unique opportunity for cooperation in using and
sharing enabling infrastructure and data towards the proactive
management of disease outbreaks, natural resources and the
environment, responses to natural hazards and disasters, weather
forecasting, climate change mitigation and adaptation, agriculture
and food security, peacekeeping missions and conflict
resolution.
It is therefore imperative that Nigeria must without delay
improve on its space technological infrastructure by adequately
funding its space agency and revving its space policy to compete
with advanced nations.
ANNE AGI, LL.M is a legal practitioner, space
law enthusiast, member of Women in Aerospace Africa and co-founder
and trustee of the LEARNSPACE FOUNDATION. She can
be reached on 08057311292. Email:
anneagi@yahoo.com