The Springwise top 5: space innovations

How are these solutions unlocking the power of space tech?

World Space Week, which starts this Friday on 4th October, was established by the UN in 1999 to celebrate advancements in space science and technologies and the positive impact they can have on humanity. The week also marks two important dates in space history: the launch of the first human-made Earth satellite Sputnik 1 (4th October 1957) and the signing of the Outer Space Treaty (10th October 1967).

Long before man first landed on the moon in 1969, humans have been fascinated by outer space and the promise of other galaxies and other species like us that could be out there. But, space technology is about so much more than exploration for curiosity’s sake. The theme of this year’s Space Week, for instance, is ‘Space & Climate Change’, to highlight how space technologies can help us in our fight against global warming, including transforming how we understand and protect our climate.

Space and its associated technologies have huge potential to help humanity – in our bid to tackle climate change and beyond. At the same time, if we don’t produce and manage these technologies responsibly, there is a danger that we risk causing more harm: the proliferation of space junk, for instance, could result in disastrous collisions that harms astronauts or damage vital satellite systems that we rely on for communication.

Luckily, innovators are on the case to unleash the full potential of space tech and make sure that we’re using it as sustainably and responsibly as possible. Take a look.

Amazing space-based solutions

Microgravity transforms biotech research

Research has shown that microgravity can be extremely beneficial to biological systems, meaning it can be the perfect environment to conduct important biotechnology research – from growing 3D cell cultures to modelling human diseases for faster therapeutics testing. To make the potential of microgravity more accessible, German company Yuri has built lab systems that simulate microgravity, allowing scientists to design, test, and run experiments as if they were in space. Read more

A space-based energy grid

When satellites in space run low on power, typically, the only way to recharge them is to capture them and fit them with new batteries. This is a tricky and overly expensive task. Instead, startup Star Catcher is developing the first ever ‘energy grid’ for space. Its orbital Power Node infrastructure will allow spacecraft to connect to the network and receive energy using their existing solar arrays, without the need for a retrofit. Read more

A low-cost way to remove space junk

There are currently over 11,000 tonnes of space objects orbiting the Earth, and that figure is set to keep rising as satellites are retired and more systems are sent up, increasing the chances of outer space collisions. De-orbiting satellites and space junk can be a dangerous and expensive process, but researchers from Brown University created an alternative solution: SBUDNIC. The scientists’ small, low-cost satellite includes a Kapton polyimide drag sail, which opens like an umbrella when SBUDNIC reaches its point of orbit, allowing it to safely deorbit much faster than other satellites. Read more

Rocket science combats climate change

Even if we slash our emissions from here on out, there is already too much carbon in the atmosphere, which will increasingly deplete our ozone layer and play havoc with the climate. Founded by an aerospace engineer, US company Arbor hopes to combat the climate crisis with a system similar to the ones used in SpaceX rockets to generate electricity. In a process called Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage (BiCRS), Arbor’s power station releases carbon from biomass waste (which would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere) and locks it safely underground. Read more

Satellites measure grass from space

Healthy grassland plays a huge role in our global food system, as well as in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions by sequestering carbon. But for dairy farmers on the ground, learning how to manage their grassland can be a challenge. To make that task easy, tech company Origin Digital and Earth observation experts Aspia Space launched GrassMax – a platform that uses satellites to plan where animals will graze most productively and when grass should be cut for hay or feed. Read more

If you want to discover more solutions that are benefitting Earth and beyond, take a look at the Springwise Library.

Words: Matilda Cox