UK Space Companies Sponsor the Projects Solving Global Problems

Developing space technology may seem irrelevant when it comes to solving global problems here on Earth. However, when you look closely at the work many space companies are doing, this could not be further from the truth. In fact, the UK has just announced a space company funding initiative that aims to help tackle global concerns such as climate change and food shortage. One of the hottest new developments in space news UK, this funding initiative hopes to bring together researchers from several of the UK’s top universities. Through an interconnected web of funding and research support, this proposal seeks to use radical new space tech to solve some of the biggest challenges facing humanity today.

How Can a Space Company Initiative Impact Global Problems?

Government spending or private investment in space company projects can sometimes seem like a frivolous way to spend money. After all, aren’t there plenty of problems on our planet that need solving before we visit others? Well, space companies are actually far more relevant than you think in this sphere. 

For one thing, investment in space technology leads to innovations in technological developments in general. Researchers can cross apply knowledge to other industries leading to connections between space tech and medical advances or space tech and better communications systems. This connection has recently been shown through SpaceX’s development of its Starlink broadband program. By creating an extra-terrestrial satellite network, space company startups like SpaceX hope to provide faster and more portable internet to everyone on the planet. 

Again, although this might seem like a frivolous aim, internet access is a vital part of modern life. It can improve education and economic conditions for people in poor parts of the world by allowing them to learn and work online. Faster internet connections also cut back on energy usage and, therefore, reduces the carbon footprint of global connectivity. 

In fact, space technology can be extremely beneficial as a means of tackling climate change. Space innovations, such as the development of extra-terrestrial solar power systems, mean that we could harvest clean energy in space and send it back to Earth. This reduces waste on Earth – from solar panels – and means that humans are not reliant on weather patterns for clean energy. Satellites and other space-based surveillance systems also help with the early prediction of natural disasters and locate areas at risk of large-scale famine or crop failure. This can have a real impact in terms of reducing human suffering and saving thousands of lives each year, especially as the effects of climate change intensify. 

What Is the New UK Space Funding Initiative?

The new UK investment project will see large sums of money injected into ongoing space projects at 3 leading universities. These projects will be separate and will focus on different ways that developing space technologies can help with global concerns. The projects will be funded by the Space Research and Innovation Network for Technology, otherwise known as SPRINT. 

What Will These Projects Entail?

• Space Archaeology

The University of Southampton, one of the funding recipients, will work on developing AI technology to observe potential archaeological sites from space. Through the use of satellite scans, AI can spot geographical hints of archaeological sites. This can give experts a more accurate position as to where to dig and can reduce the carbon footprint of archaeological expeditions.

 

• Solar Tech

 

Also, within the University of Southampton, researchers will develop technology around enhancing solar power. By accurately charting solar radiation from space, a space company can help energy companies target solar panel placement. This can lead to more efficient energy and less waste overall. 

 

• Space Hygiene

 

One of the projects ongoing at the University of Leicester will seek to improve tool cleaning technology for spacecrafts. By using AI, the project hopes to streamline the tool cleaning process, closely targeting any areas of potential contamination. This is vital for keeping equipment safe and hygienic for space travel use.

• Shipping Emissions

Another project, also at the University of Leicester, seeks to increase efficiency in the shipping industry. The project will monitor carbon emissions released by shipping. GPS space technology can also highlight inefficiencies in shipping routes and cut back on travel time to reduce waste.

 

• Agricultural Development

 

The final university included in the space company initiative is the University of Edinburgh. They will be using the funding to examine agricultural patterns and identify underused areas. This can help reduce waste, save ecosystems, and decrease the risk of famines. 

Conclusion

There has never been a more important time for a space company to intervene in worldwide problems. Large-scale investment in global problems, such as climate change, famine, and waste reduction, can make a huge difference in improving people’s lives and protecting the health of the planet. This is why innovation in the space sector is vital and worthwhile use of money.

Final Call: Are you interested in the latest space tech? Which future technologies are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments!