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Bringing Space Down to Earth

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Bringing Space Down to Earth

World Economic Forum,

15 min read
10 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

Technology that studies Earth from space plays a critical role in humanity’s future.

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Comprehensive
  • Scientific
  • Eye Opening

Recommendation

The Space Age is little more than half a century old, but it clearly marks a pivotal era in world history. It has profoundly shifted humanity’s view of itself, from a society bound by competing political blocs toward a more holistic panorama. The global economic and social benefits of space technology and science are profound: The study of Earth from space allows human beings to analyze and help conserve the planet’s dwindling natural resources. Space technology provides valuable information about weather and navigation, and satellite communications bring people closer together. The space industry – one of the world’s fastest growing sectors – exerts a powerful gravitational force, pulling many other commercial and societal aspects into its orbit. This comprehensive and nuanced report from the World Economic Forum is a fascinating must-read that getAbstract highly recommends to all policy makers, executives, NGO leaders and environmentalists.

Summary

An Overview of Spaced-Based Industry and Infrastructure

The global space industry makes a significant and growing contribution to global social, economic and environmental security on Earth, and helps solve some of the planet’s most pressing problems. Space-based technology supports Earth-based infrastructure, such as power grids and airplane navigation, and assists in disaster relief activities. Byproduct technologies improve the quality of people’s lives through advances in such areas as health care and diagnostics. Satellites are now an essential tool in efforts to promote sustainable development and to bring advanced telecommunications to poorly served regions of the world. The industry has become indispensable, obliging governments to make it “safe, sustainable and secure.”

The space industry’s growth rate, driven by government spending, is nearly 8% per year. In 2012, the United States spent $48 billion, while all other nations spent a combined $31 billion. Between 2001 and 2015, the industry spread from the superpowers to 60 nations, all in pursuit of greater economic growth and development as well as national security. Private-sector investment is increasing...

About the Author

The World Economic Forum is an independent global organization that engages leaders of business, politics, academia and society to improve the state of the world.

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