The space sector is one of the sectors that stimulate innovation, as this sector was built on innovation and technological development to obtain innovative solutions that enable humans to access space and allow their equipment to work efficiently in the space climate known for extreme cruelty. Lenses and cameras, prosthetics, rationing of energy sources, expansion of renewable energy-related industries, and much more.

Innovation translates scientific and technical knowledge into successful applications of processes, products and services and helps move the boundaries of human exploration, including the orientation to the uses of outer space in the service of humanity. This innovation, derived from space exploration endeavors, has become a major driver of scientific and technical development, and has contributed to social and economic development and industrial progress on Earth, supporting the growth of societies, creating rewarding job opportunities and contributing to the formation of economic entities sourced from entrepreneurship in the space sector. Innovation is not limited to technical areas, but requires new and good business models, legal tools, guidelines, clarifications or operating rules to address challenges, seize opportunities and create new opportunities to create social and economic value.

Today, it is proven that space exploration significantly supports innovation and economic prosperity by stimulating advances in science and technology, as well as stimulating scientists, engineers and workers in the global science and technology sector and thus expanding the field of global economic activity. Space exploration and innovation are key drivers for opening up new areas of space science and technology, creating new companies and developing capabilities that in turn create new opportunities to address global challenges. The space field stimulates young people to pursue education and employment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), a pillar of development.

Today’s space technologies are as integral to our daily lives as electricity, and most of us don’t recognize the technologies we use in our lives that were a product of the space sector, such as paying with a smart card and even playing Pokémon that uses satellite networks to transmit data or obtain a positioning signal. Space technologies have become used in various fields such as agriculture, as farmers in a number of countries are using space technology in their operations through the use of GPS on tractors, and this has led to a significant and noticeable increase in efficiency in the agricultural process from its inception to irrigating crops, collecting and distributing fruits. There are also many indirect uses of space innovations and technologies used today, such as survey techniques developed to find a safe landing place on the moon that have provided us with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT scanners, and heart devices designed for astronauts have evolved into some of the heart monitors used today in hospitals around the world.

One of the technologies that has contributed to raising the ceiling of innovation and development is the revolution of miniature satellites or cube (CubeSat), which are small satellites that start from one unit weighing no more than 1.3 kg in a cube size of 10 cm, and can be increased to dozens of units as needed. These satellites have become leading agents for current innovations in this field based on the analysis of patent applications and bibliometric analysis of scientific research and technology published by the OECD. Other sources of innovation include nanosatellites, satellite electric propulsion system, reusable technologies for launchers, and satellite navigation system applications.

The recent patents by companies have contributed to the increase in scientific research published in the fields of satellite navigation systems, and the many services based on geographical location and time, and this is evidence that many innovations are happening today in the field and activities of space, and this increasing spread in geolocation-based applications would not be possible without space data, which confirms the importance of the space sector and its exploration. The fifth cycle of the space sector is expected to last 15 years and this cycle was driven by the many innovations that the space sector has witnessed in recent years and will be characterized by the increasing use of satellite infrastructure outputs (signals and data) to address societal challenges, such as contributing to climate change mitigation through Earth observation via global satellites or helping to bridge the digital divide by providing Internet networks to remote areas without having to build expensive infrastructure. In addition, innovative mass market products will rise, and new generations of orbital space stations, smart satellites and new space launchers are also expected.

Increasing awareness of space exploration and innovation as key drivers for opening up new fields in space science and technology contributes to the launch of new companies and the development of capabilities that create new opportunities to meet global challenges. As the benefits of space exploration and innovation become more and more knowledgeable, more countries, non-governmental entities and companies are increasingly interested in participating in exploration and innovation.

Today, innovation in space opens up a wide range of cooperation between States, intergovernmental organizations, space agencies, industry, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, academia and society. Cooperation in innovation and knowledge dissemination between developed and developing countries are ideal channels for promoting the overall goals of sustainable development and the exploration and peaceful uses of outer space. The great turnout of evil has ledKat and individuals to enter the space sector are pushing unique innovations in space infrastructure to new, more advanced levels, and these technologies work together to encourage creativity of what will become possible for humanity.

* NSSA Aerospace Engineer – Reem Senan