With the release of its first five full-color images, the James Webb Space Telescope showcased our universe’s deepest infrared views to date in unprecedented detail. From the formation of galaxies to the atmospheres of exoplanets, the world’s most powerful space telescope can detect far more distant objects than its predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope. Thanks to a partnership between NASA, the ESA (European Space Agency), and the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), the Webb’s success marks a trend of emerging technologies in the space industry, powered by the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
The 4IR is characterized by a fusion of technologies between the digital, physical, and biological worlds. What sets it apart from previous industrial revolutions is the pace and depth of the transformations: nearly every aspect of human life will be affected, from healthcare to education to transportation and manufacturing. In particular, technology that has advanced from the 4IR holds profound implications for space exploration.
Historically, space exploration and technological innovation have gone hand in hand. Scientific advancements lead to new capabilities for space exploration, and in turn, industries on Earth benefit from these technologies. The 4IR has only amplified this relationship; the combination of innovations in artificial intelligence, materials science, and 3D printing have exhibited two major effects on space exploration: reduced launch costs and heightened abilities of smaller satellites.
The development of lighter and stronger materials, like carbon fiber, reduce the overall mass of spacecraft. As a result, less fuel is needed to launch them into space, saving millions of dollars. 3D printing has also revolutionized the production of spacecraft components – rocket engines can be constructed in just 24 hours, significantly lowering the time and costs associated with manufacturing.
The lowering of launch expenses have led to a spike in the popularity of small satellites. Compared to traditional larger satellites, small satellites are often more affordable to build, launch, and operate. They can also be developed and deployed quicker, encouraging a greater degree of risk-taking and experimenting in space missions. Companies have jumped at the opportunity: from 2017 to 2021, small satellites have grown from a total of 53 to 1,743. They now make up roughly ninety-four percent of all spacecraft launches.
Although the United States currently leads the world in both public space and private space investment, spending a whopping $54.6 billion in 2021, China has swiftly emerged as a global competitor and innovator, spending $10.3 billion on space programs in the same year. Additionally, the increasing affordability and availability of technology within the space industry has drawn in a fresh wave of interest from other countries. The list of new players in the game is extensive. Pakistan and Venezuela have purchased satellites from China. The United Arab Emirates was the first country of its scale to launch a scientific mission to Mars. The first satellite to be completely developed in Africa was launched. Beyond advancements within new countries, private companies and individuals, including SpaceX and Blue Origin, have ventured into the sphere and established themselves as leaders in the commercial space industry.
The rapid evolution of the space industry presents a host of opportunities. First, smaller countries who have previously lacked the resources and power to invest in the space industry can now play a role on the world stage, effectively boosting their status both economically and diplomatically. Second, the interconnection of activities on Earth and space can benefit society in a variety of ways. For example, factories in orbit could transmit solar energy back to Earth, while space mining could extract resources and precious metals to meet the demand of other industries.
Despite how exciting these possibilities seem, there are a number of daunting risks associated with space exploration. One of the biggest issues in the current debate relates to the rise of private companies in space. Could they end up establishing monopolies in some areas? What if their motivations for profit directly clash with the government? How will borders be decided and regulated on other planets? As the 4IR continues to shape and propel the space industry, a new host of questions, challenges, and opportunities await. From space tourism to greenhouses on Mars, the possibilities are as limitless as the universe and just as uncertain.
Sources:
“The Fourth Industrial Revolution: What It Means and How to Respond.” World Economic Forum, www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/01/the-fourth-industrial-revolution-what-it-means-and-how-to-respond/. Accessed 10 Feb. 2024.
Halliday, Jacob. “Unveiling the Cosmos: A New Dawn of Technological Renaissance.” Digital Daze, 9 Oct. 2023, digitaldaze.io/unveiling-the-cosmos-a-new-dawn-of-technological-renaissance/.
Louise Fox, Landry Signé, et al. “How Space Exploration Is Fueling the Fourth Industrial Revolution.” Brookings, 24 June 2023, www.brookings.edu/articles/how-space-exploration-is-fueling-the-fourth-industrial-revolution/.
“NASA Reveals Webb Telescope’s First Images of Unseen Universe.” NASA, NASA, 29 Sept. 2023, www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-reveals-webb-telescopes-first-images-of-unseen-universe/.
Image Credits:
“First Radiation-Hardened RAD5545 Radios Delivered.” BAE Systems | International, 1 July 2020, www.baesystems.com/en/article/bae-systems-delivers-first-radiation-hardened-rad5545-radios.
“How Private Money Changed the Space Industry.” The Universe Space Tech Magazine, 6 Oct. 2022, universemagazine.com/en/how-private-money-changed-the-space-industry/.
“NASA Reveals Webb Telescope’s First Images of Unseen Universe.” NASA, NASA, 29 Sept. 2023, www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-reveals-webb-telescopes-first-images-of-unseen-universe/.
Fascinating