Why seek to explore Space when planet Earth’s numerous problems are yet to be fixed? Why travel to Space when our home planet’s resources is yet to be fully exploited? Why building satellites for space when there are so much issues to spend resources on here on Earth?
These questions amidst so many others keep recurring by an average person with very little or no knowledge of Space Science.The answer to the questions is that we need to explore Space to help us on Earth.
Satellites have played pertinent roles in improving the world today and have disrupted virtually all sectors of human endeavors particularly in reference to Science and Technology.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which was a follow up on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Global coverage of satellites offers a unique approach to overcoming challenges. Information from satellites in space can help improve agricultural yields and mitigate environmental disasters. Amidst the enormous roles achievable with satellites in various sectors, actualizing the set goals of United Nation’s SDGs program is very possible with space science.
Some Sustainable Development Goals achievable with Space Science
Goal 2: Ending Hunger
Satellite imagery play a very pertinent role in Agriculture and it is a component of “Smart Farming” which integrates precision agricultural system using spectral bands which develops vegetative index that represents crop vigour. Satellites are capable of acquiring information on Earth about agricultural land.
Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Health care has witnessed progressive changes on a global scale with utilization of space science innovative products and services particularly in health care mapping and telemedicine.
Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Qualitative Education is a challenge whose solutions isn’t attributable to the Government alone but stakeholders and the populace too. Satellite technology and space education is basically needed to be taught in schools to provide first hand knowledge about Space. Space Science can disrupt Educational sector by providing smart innovative GPS devices and tools which are embedded with educational apps in various subject areas to facilitate learning even from the comfort of homes.
Goal 6: Clean Water
Satellite images enable decision making process in adequate sites for water facilities, monitoring of reservoir, and providing early warning of shortages or excesses of water prior to the events of drought or flood.
Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Both Goal 8 and 9 are interconnected. In the quest towards providing infrastructures and industries, jobs are created.
Space sector is yet to be fully tapped and there are lots of job opportunities that accrues from it. Adequate provision of infrastructures with a spatial and equitable distribution is achievable with Satellite technology.
Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable Smart City and housing challenges is surmountable with satellite technology.
The role of space science in Urban planning and housing cannot be overemphasized.Satellite imagery has provided a great platform for Town Planners in analyzing and drafting plans for appropriate housing.
Goal 13: Climate Action
Earth observation satellites enable global monitoring of deforestation, landslide, and pollution levels in water bodies.
Goal 14: Life below water
Satellites is useful in tracking and curtailing illegal fishing activities. This is possible using tools such as Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders which shows the location of legal fishing vessels.
Goal 15: Life on Land
Satellites possess the capability of monitoring and protecting wildlife habitats on land by sending signals to caregivers or wildlife workers in cases of emergencies in the quest towards conserving wildlife species.
Apparently, we need to explore Space to exploit Earth’s resources positively and for posterity.
The quest to protect and conserve planet Earth lies within us.
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