How are Satellite Services making Earth a Better Place to Live?

Posted by ryan on December 5th, 2019

Why do scientists build satellites for space when there are so many problems to fix here on Earth? Well, it is a perfectly rational question and the simple answer to it is that we need to reach up to space to help us all here on Earth. Satellites have played a significant role in improving the state of the world, and will do much more as an explosion of technology innovation enables large new fleets of small satellites to be utilized with absolute new capabilities.

The global coverage of satellites comes up with a unique, fact-based perspective that can considerably help us overcome our greatest challenges. Information used from space crafts can help improve agricultural output and protect habitat loss and stop deforestation. It was the satellite services that discovered hole in the ozone layer and their data today remains crucial to fighting climatic change. And also, they have helped us connect the world through seamless internet and communication, an intangible service for billions. So let us highlight the facts as how satellite services can help us here on Earth:

Earth Imaging Satellites

Eliminating Hunger

The images from a satellite can tell us about the crop yield, enabling farmers to better decide when to add water or fertilizer and when exactly to do the harvesting. By imaging the land using special spectral bands, a vegetation index can be developed that can depict the crop vigor and productivity. The agricultural land accounts for 37% of land on Earth and satellites are distinctively capable of collecting this data across such a vast land area on Earth.

Life below Water

Satellite services can help track and prohibit illegal fishing by pairing vessel Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders- which shows the location of legal fishing vessels and are legally required to be switched on- with up to date satellite imagery.
Communication Satellites

Good Health and Well-being and Quality Education

Almost 50% of Earth’s 7.5 billion people have access to the internet. A global network of communications satellites being developed by SpaceX and One Web could enable internet connectivity to a wide range of people, particularly those in remote areas where development and infrastructure is minimum. With access to the internet, the benefits of best doctors and teachers via tele-medicine and education, and effective communication. It is clear that satellite services can help many of the global goals.

Therefore, leaders in governments, at companies and various NGOs should make maximum use of satellite services in their investments and informed decision making to help us accomplish sustainable development goals as soon as possible.