In the first part of this series of posts where we explore possible subjects that may trigger your “Aha! I know about this and can talk about this!” reflex, medical technology was suggested as an avenue of interest. In this second part, we would like to tickle your memories from not so very long ago but quite far far away and suggest space as a topic for your consideration.
There has been an incredible acceleration of technology and accessibility in this space. With the introduction of CubeSats, space became much more accessible and a few years ago the first fully open-source CubeSat was launched. Companies such as Astra, Rocket Labs and SpaceX have entered the space race, elbowing out the traditional nationally funded efforts. A car was fired into space. Mars was landed on – twice – with the first aircraft on another planet flying around. The moon was rear-ended by the Chinese. 2021 was the year where we launched billionaires into space willy-nilly with even Captain Kirk having a go. NASA got all childish and changed the definition of an astronaut so that some billionaires were one and some weren’t suddenly. Satellite mesh networks are cluttering the skies so ground astronomers can’t see out any more. Nations are firing missiles at satellites, contributing significantly to the space junk problem. Satellites are jamming each other and trying to take each other over. The ISS is leaking and suddenly firing thrusters when it isn’t avoiding aforesaid trash. SpinLaunch is using a giant snail-like centrifuge that launches stuff into space from Earth. Neumann Space is trying to build a gas station for satellites in space. Steve Wozniak wants to become a space janitor and clean up all that mess. China has its own space station.
With all this action also comes condemnation. Should we be spending all that money on space when there are so many problems here on Earth? Reflection: What kind of legal structures and governance do we try to impose on foreign planets, the moon, the space above us, and how do we enforce this? But also what does cheap and plentiful access to space mean on a societal level, looking forward? Technically, what efforts have we thrown into tracking and communicating with these satellites? What should we do with old satellites? How can we as a community access space, and what do we want to do there?
We are looking forward to hearing from you – a workshop, lecture, anything you feel you can contribute is welcome!
Source: May Contain Hackers 2022
I wrote this in the hopes that you are inspired to join the CFP!
Robin Edgar
Organisational Structures | Technology and Science | Military, IT and Lifestyle consultancy | Social, Broadcast & Cross Media | Flying aircraft