* I recently attended a concert in Hong Kong entitled 「星辰大海」, which translates to “𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝗺𝗼𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀.” Inspired by this, I want to explore the connection between the Cosmos and the Seas, connected under the theme of #Sustainability. 🚀 At OASA, we are interested in what needs to be done to ensure that our planet stays healthy— both in (outer)space and in the high seas. It is crucial to maintain the integrity of the Earth’s orbits (where satellites operate) and our oceans for a sustainable future. 。𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗜𝗻 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿: With the surge in the number of low Earth orbiting satellites being launched, it is vital to maintain the orbital environment in good order. If we don’t manage space debris responsibly, we risk scenarios like the 𝗞𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗲. This phenomenon occurs when space junk collisions create a cascade of further collisions, generating more debris. Such a scenario could disrupt the operation of #satellites that support navigation and connectivity, 𝘱𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 impacting the safety of ships (and everything else). 。𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀: Our oceans provide resources and help regulate the climate. Maritime shipping relies heavily on satellite-based technology for navigation, weather monitoring, and operational efficiency. 🌍 In addition, satellites play a key role in environmental monitoring, such as tracking the 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵. 1. Advancing Technology: Let’s focus on developing new technologies and solutions to tackle space debris and ocean pollution. This includes using advanced materials and deploying autonomous cleanup systems to protect these vital environments. 2. Establishing Regulatory Frameworks: Formulating comprehensive international protocols is essential to promote sustainable practices in both space exploration and marine activities. These guidelines ensure environmental preservation while exploring the vast expanses of the cosmos. 3. Promoting Awareness: Raising public awareness about the importance of preserving both the Cosmos and the Seas. By highlighting the intricate interdependence of these ecosystems, we can encourage collective action towards positive change. By understanding the #challenges and opportunities within space and marine domains, we can create strategic initiatives that uphold the integrity of these realms. This integrative approach not only benefits our planet now but also paves the way for a sustainable legacy for future generations. Let’s work together to protect the Cosmos and the Seas! 🌟🌊 —- The 𝗜𝗔𝗔 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗶𝘀 & 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 (#SDS2024), which is co-hosted by the University of Hong Kong’s Laboratory for Space Research (HKU-LSR) and EPFL Switzerland, will take place in Hong Kong from 2-4 December 2024.
We should start a task force under this theme and link this to the carbon credit exchange at the HKEx.
When you mentioned the garbage patch, it reminds me of my past student presentation of ocean debris tracking. I think the tracking of these debris together with The Ocean Cleanup technologies could help with the issue of microplastic into our food chain.
NewSpace: Charting the Course to Tomorrow
1mo「星辰大海」, translates to “𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝗺𝗼𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀” It is apparently the title of a TV drama (and a pop song) in mainland China. The phrase is used in popular culture to depict individuals with grand ambitions and far-reaching goals. It encourages and inspires young people to bravely pursue higher goals and broader horizons.