Harald Luiks’ Post

🌙 Making Space Tech Work for Earth: The £1.2 Million Aqualunar Challenge... The Aqualunar Challenge, backed by Challenge Works, the UK Space Agency, the Canadian Space Agency | Agence spatiale canadienne, and Impact Canada, is taking a leap not just for lunar exploration but for Earth’s sustainability too. With £1.2 million at stake, the challenge is to innovate water purification technologies for lunar ice, which can also revolutionize Earth’s environmental challenges. Key Highlights: 🚀 The Aqualunar Challenge: Bridging Lunar and Earth Sustainability. 🌍 62% of people see space innovation as a key to Earth’s sustainability. 🌊 Potential Earth applications: From combating drought to providing clean drinking water. 🌐 Global effort: UK, Canada, and more uniting for a sustainable future. 🗣️ Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, underscores the success of space technologies in solving Earth's practical issues. Holly Jamieson, Executive Director of Challenge Works, envisions the challenge as a beacon for diverse innovators to create solutions benefiting both lunar habitats and Earth’s environment. 🗣️ Andrew Griffith MP, Minister for Space, sees this as a testament to the UK’s role in pioneering space technologies and fostering international collaborations, particularly with Canada. What space innovation excites you the most for its Earth applications? 🌌 https://lnkd.in/e-7GbJCV #SpaceTech #Sustainability #Innovation #AqualunarChallenge #WaterPurification #GlobalCollaboration

The environmental and climate science space is abuzz with news of China's Chang'e-6 lunar module returning to Earth with samples from the far side of the moon. This historic mission marks a significant step forward for China's space program and opens up new possibilities for scientific discovery. The samples collected from the moon's far side, which has a different composition than the side facing Earth, could offer insights into the evolution of the moon, Earth, and our solar system. Furthermore, the mission aligns with China's broader ambitions to establish a presence on the moon, including sending astronauts by 2030 and building a research base at the lunar south pole. The Chang'e-6 mission's success is a testament to the power of scientific exploration and the quest for knowledge that transcends national boundaries. As we celebrate this achievement, it's essential to recognize the potential benefits of lunar exploration for advancing our understanding of climate change and environmental science. The moon's geological record, untouched by Earth's plate tectonics and erosion, serves as a time capsule that can shed light on the early solar system's conditions. By studying these samples, scientists may uncover clues about the processes that shaped our planet's environment and climate, providing valuable context for current and future challenges. China's lunar mission also highlights the importance of international collaboration in space exploration. While the mission is a national achievement, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) has expressed its intention to share data and conduct joint research with international partners. This collaborative approach can accelerate scientific progress and foster a spirit of unity in addressing global issues like climate change. As we look to the moon and beyond, let's also reflect on the need for sustainable practices in space exploration. Preserving the celestial environment and ensuring that space activities do not harm the delicate balance of our own planet's ecosystem must be a priority. The Chang'e-6 mission is a reminder that our quest for knowledge and exploration must go hand in hand with a commitment to environmental stewardship, both on Earth and in the cosmos. #ChangE6 #LunarExploration #SustainableSpace URL:

A happy #Sustainability Friday to everyone out there -- for this week's roundup, we'll start by taking a quick trip to space (cue the "Cosmos" theme music): 🌌 • You might've heard the news this week about the discovery of evidence of a massive supply of water deep beneath the surface of Mars. Water is foundational to life as we know it here on Earth, so it follows that water on Mars means the potential, at least, for life on the Red Planet ... whether at some point in the cosmic past or, maybe, in the present day. Just as we talk about water sustainability measures on Earth, what about space sustainability? An opinion article in SpaceNews explains why sustainability should be a central focus of our interstellar exploration. "The lessons we have learned on Earth must guide our actions in space," writes Dimitra Atri, PhD, investigator with the Center for Astrophysics and Space Science at NYU Abu Dhabi and the Group Leader of the Mars Research Group at New York University Abu Dhabi's Center for Astrophysics and Space Science. "The United Nations’ definition of the long-term sustainability of outer space activities emphasizes the need for equitable access and preservation for future generations. Current space sustainability efforts focus primarily on Earth’s orbit, addressing issues such as orbital debris and security. However, we must extend this focus to include the moon, Mars and other planetary bodies in the solar system." Read the piece here: https://lnkd.in/gzPCm6ej • Now that we've traveled among the stars to Mars, let's zoom back down to our planet ... specifically, Wisconsin. An elementary school in Dane County is the first net-zero energy school in the state, Wisconsin Public Radio reported. The school is equipped with 1,700 solar panels and 90 geothermal wells, the article notes. In addition, it's not the only school in the area that will be able to tout its green bona fides, as a new middle school 100 miles to the north will also operate as a net-zero facility. In both cases, community support, resulting in the approval of $40 million and $100 million referenda, propelled these projects. Read the full article to learn more about the projects: https://lnkd.in/gaP3BPMW • We've been to Mars, we've been to Wisconsin — let's conclude this week's sustainability travels in Australia. An article in @AuManufacturing news and media notes mining and energy company Fortescue is trialing a hydrogen-powered mining truck in the Pilbara region. The prototype truck, Europa — incidentally, a nice callback to the space portion of this post, as Europa is a moon of Jupiter — will be refueled with liquid hydrogen. Learn more about the development: https://lnkd.in/gbj-iBMf 🌲

HI, here's my latest editorial in the PHW: https://lnkd.in/g5sukdTe Reading about a new book, Orbital by Samantha Harvey, a novel covering a 24-hour period in the International Space Station (ISS), some 400 km (250 miles) above Earth, it made me reflect further on just how small ‘we’ are, in the big scheme of things. The ISS makes 16 revolutions per day around Earth, experiencing a sunrise and sunset every 90 minutes. How tiny our life must look from way up there. But at ground level, there certainly still is much room to move around, even in an island country, like the one I’m now in, Indonesia, though it has some 240 million people, six times the population of Canada. I should feel very small except for the fact that my country is the world’s second largest, though only five times the size of Indonesia and its 17,000 islands. Just having left Jakarta after five days it now does feel big and crowded, with most of its 12 million people not huddled into high-rise buildings, though such are popping up in many locations in the peripheries, along with the usual suspects (i.e., banks) in the downtown centre. Right outside my hotel was a giant construction project, building a new portion of the city’s Light Rail Transit system, taking it north beyond the city centre. When feeling the constant daily rush of the traffic and people on the streets, it does make one feel part of a larger whole. But for the 270+ astronauts who’ve been up to the ISS since it was launched 25 years ago, we are nothing but a blue dot, often covered with white clouds and green portions. No human life is visible to them during the day, but only at night when our energy from electrical lights beams outward to the abyss. We are indeed just a speck of dust in the universe, making it more difficult for me to understand how many corrupt and greedy humans keep doing their best to harm it, to destroy it. Just yesterday I read about how a Singapore-listed palm oil giant violated its sustainability pledges and continues to destroy huge swaths of Indonesian forests, so they can add more to the billions of dollars they’ve already gained. How disgustingly sick; equally so the British company chewing up our Canadian forests to run their plants, trying to get us to believe they are acting sustainably and ethically. Just like, too, what I learned in some of Jakarta’s interesting museums about exploitative colonialists, particularly the Dutch, Portuguese and British. The Dutch were here, running things from big beautiful buildings (see Endshots) for some 350 years, transporting goods around the city through constructed canals, like a mini Amsterdam, which of course was the beneficiary of the wealth extracted here, at the end of cannons and rifles. At the same time, it does impress, from my position of privilege, to think of them being around here, in their big hats and fancy robes, creating infrastructure and governance ...(for the rest: https://lnkd.in/g5sukdTe)

47 wildfires blazing across Greece yesterday. How can space tech help? This is one of the reasons that the Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance in #Greece is investing in #space technologies and has become the first country worldwide to have a National satellite-based wildfire system in place. Last week, the government announced an investment in OroraTech which uses infrared data from thermal satellites to provide wildfire intelligence. Beyond Greece, what stories are emerging in the space economy? 🚀 *A tale of aspiration*. The US accounts for nearly half of all private equity investment in the space economy over the past decade (46%), according to Space Capital. But more countries are emerging as contenders to space dominance. China's investment follows closely behind with 28%, with plans to double the size of its self-built space station Tiangong, coinciding with the decommissioning of the ISS in 2030. And the European Space Agency - ESA member states have committed to making Earth observation for climate science a priority for future investments. 🛰 *A tale of exploration*. Satellites make up the bulk of investment, accounting for 86% of all invested capital in the past decade, whereas emerging industries account for 2%. They are relatively small at $7bn, but interest is growing, with a significant increase in investment. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, secretary general of the International Telecommunication Union, at a Davos appearance said that #satellite data could help in achieving 40% of SDGs but all countries should have equal access to this data. Japan is notable for investments in Astroscale, a debris removal company with a sustainable space aim, and ispace, inc., a robotic lunar exploration company. 👊 *A tale of pioneering vision*. There are many cool companies worth keeping an eye on as future disruptors. Take Metropolis Technologies. It uses their AI-enabled computer vision platform to reimagine something quite mundane: the way we park our cars. Their long-term vision is to create a checkout-free driving experience, and build the infrastructure for mobility commerce. Solar Foods, a Finnish-based biotech startup, is another inspiring example. They have invented Solein, a protein made using air and electricity, instead of water and fertiliser. The vision? Food that can be grown in-flight and therefore enable human Mars missions--and crucially an endless food supply for our world here on Earth, as we no longer rely on land. ---- Though space tends to catch media attention for the antics of billionaires, the reality is that the true transformative potential of the sector lies in helping us solve challenges here on Earth. What stories do you see emerging in #spacetech and the #spaceeconomy?

#Blueorigin #Europeanspaceagency A changing of the guard in space stations is on the horizon as private companies work towards providing new opportunities for science, commerce, and tourism in outer space. Blue Origin is one of a number of private sector actors aiming to harbor commercial activities in low Earth orbit (LEO) as the creaking and leaking International Space Station (ISS) approaches its drawdown. Partners in Blue Origin’s Orbital Reef program, including firms Redwire, Sierra Space, and Boeing, are each reporting progress in their respective components of the program. The collaboration itself may not be on such strong ground. Such endeavors may also end up slowed and controlled by regulation so far absent from many new, commercial areas of space. Orbital Reef recently aced testing milestones for its critical life support system, with assistance from NASA. These included hitting targets for trace contaminant control, water contaminant oxidation, urine water recovery, and water tank tests—all of which are required to operate effectively and efficiently to enable finite resources to keep delicate human beings alive in orbit for long timeframes. Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, is characteristically tight-lipped on its progress and challenges and declined to provide further comment on progress beyond NASA’s life support press statement. The initiative is backed by NASA’s Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) program, through which the agency is providing funding to incentivize the private sector to build space habitats. NASA may also be the main client starting out, although the wider goal is to foster a sustainable commercial presence in LEO. The space-based road ahead the challenge Orbital Reef faces is considerable: reimagining successful earthbound technologies—such as regenerative life support systems, expandable habitats and 3D printing—but now in orbit, on a commercially viable platform. The technologies must also adhere to unforgiving constraints of getting mass and volume to space, and operating on a significantly reduced budget compared to earlier national space station programs. Add to that autonomy and redundancy that so many mission-critical functions will demand, as well as high bandwidth communications required to return data and allow streaming and connectivity for visitors. In one recent step forward for Orbital Reef, Sierra Space, headquartered in Louisville, Colorado, performed an Ultimate Burst Pressure (UBP) test on its architecture in January. This involved inflating, to the point of failure, the woven fabric pressure shell—including Vectran, a fabric that becomes rigid and stronger than steel when pressurized on orbit—for its Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) habitat. Sierra’s test reached 530,000 Pascals (77 pounds per square inch)… https://lnkd.in/gWEneGKN via @IEEESpectrum

Sustainable practices in space tech are pivotal to mitigate the environmental impact of increased satellite launches. As we embrace the contemporary space age, it's crucial to recognize the environmental consequences that come with space exploration. We're excited to present the top sustainable UK space companies, ranked in order of their ecologically friendly initiatives' starting date. From reusable launch vehicles to responsible satellite disposal methods, these companies are pioneering solutions to ensure that space exploration does not contribute to long-term environmental degradation. Follow the link to see the full ranking by OrbitalToday Orbex, Reaction Engines, Newton Launch Systems Ltd, Skyrora Ltd, Spaceforge Aerosystems Pvt Ltd, Open Cosmos

The Transformative Impact of Space Exploration on Earthly Technologies - https://lnkd.in/gmtJxTUs While often seen as a drain on resources, the ongoing investment in space exploration represents a strategic investment in our future. The technologies developed pave the way for future space missions and enhance our ability to address environmental, medical, and technological challenges on Earth.

🚀 NASA Set to Launch World's First Timber Satellite 📡NASA, in collaboration with Japanese scientists and Sumitomo Forestry, is months away from launching the world's first wooden satellite, LignoSat! 🛰️Aboard a SpaceX mission, the venture aims to address the escalating issue of space waste through biodegradable materials, marking a significant step towards sustainable space exploration. 🪵 Key Insights: 1️⃣ Sustainable Space Exploration: LignoSat, made from magnolia wood, represents a pioneering move towards utilising biodegradable satellite materials, potentially reducing harmful space debris and environmental impact. 2️⃣ Combatting Space Waste: The initiative emerges as a response to the growing concern over aluminium particles released by satellites re-entering Earth's atmosphere, which linger and potentially harm the environment. LignoSat's successful deployment could herald a shift away from metal satellites. 3️⃣ Rigorous Testing: The selection of magnolia wood followed extensive testing, including exposure to extreme space conditions at the International Space Station. Results showed the wood's remarkable durability and stability, with negligible deterioration or damage. 4️⃣ Benefits of Wood in Space: Wood offers several advantages for CubeSats, including facilitating electromagnetic wave penetration and simplifying satellite design. Moreover, wood fully combusts upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, avoiding releasing harmful substances. 🗣️ #questionforgroup: How can using biodegradable materials like wood in satellite construction further influence the sustainability of space exploration? What other innovations could be explored to mitigate space waste? 🔗 Discover more about the LignoSat project and its implications for the future of space travel and environmental preservation: https://lnkd.in/gWAHmuNc #spacex #musk #tesla #nasa #space #sustainability #japan #madeinjapan #climatechange #sustainability #biodegradable #spacewars #spacestation #satelittes #lignosat #timbertech #timber #science #randd #research #researchanddevelopment #spacedebris #innovation #woodcentral #woodcentralau1 #pefc #sumitomo

🌍🚀 Exciting times ahead for humanity as we set our sights on the Red Planet! Mars is the next frontier of human space exploration, with plans for crewed missions and potentially even permanent settlements in the works. ISRO, NASA, China, and SpaceX are all gearing up for this incredible journey. 🔬🧪 While the idea of putting boots on Martian soil is exhilarating, it's important to recognize the numerous challenges that need to be overcome before we embark on this grand adventure. Let's take a closer look at some key considerations: 1️⃣ Water - One of the most critical resources for any future mission to Mars is water. Thankfully, recent discoveries reveal that subsurface deposits of water ice exist on Mars, providing a promising source for hydration and potentially fuel production. Locating and extracting these resources will be vital for the sustainability and self-sufficiency of any Martian settlements. 2️⃣ Habitation - Establishing habitats on the Martian surface will be essential for crewed missions. These habitats will not only provide a safe haven for astronauts but also serve as a base for scientific research and experimentation. Developing advanced and functional living spaces that can withstand Mars' harsh conditions will be a significant engineering feat. 3️⃣ Sustainable Life Support Systems - Surviving and thriving on Mars will require highly efficient and sustainable life support systems. These systems need to be capable of recycling air, water, and waste, as well as providing adequate nutrition and protection against radiation. The innovation in developing these technologies is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of human exploration on the red planet. 4️⃣ Transportation - Another vital aspect of Mars missions is the development of reliable and efficient transportation methods. Crewed spacecraft and landers would need to be designed to withstand the long journey to Mars and the challenges of landing safely on its surface. Furthermore, establishing a transportation infrastructure on Mars could enable resource utilization, trade, and further exploration within the planet's diverse regions. 🌌 With all these challenges lying ahead, there is no doubt that international collaboration and innovation will be key in realizing our ambitions for Mars. Combining the expertise of NASA, China, SpaceX, and other global space agencies will be crucial in overcoming the technological and logistical hurdles that await us. 🚀✨ As we look to the future, let us be inspired by the potential of exploring new horizons and expanding the limits of human knowledge. The journey to Mars is an opportunity for humanity to showcase its collective spirit of discovery, innovation, and resilience. Together, we can unlock the mysteries of the Red Planet and pave the way for a new era of space exploration. Exciting times await us all! 🌍🔭🚀 #MarsExploration #ISRO #SpaceX #NASA #Humanity #Innovation #Engineering #FutureOfSpaceExpl