Satellites help to use the Internet and television and are part of the Global Positioning System. They allow you to predict modern weather, help scientists track environmental damage and play a major role in modern military technology. nations that do not have their own satellites that provide these services rely on other countries. For those who want to upgrade their satellite infrastructure, options are running out as space fills up. Inequality is already being played out with satellite access. In the not too distant future, the ability to extract resources from the moon and asteroids could be a major point of difference between space and non-space. As policies emerge, there is a risk that this inequality will last forever.
Where to park a satellite
Due to the rapid commercialization, miniaturization and declining costs of satellite technology in recent years.Cubesats are smaller, cheaper, customized satellites that are simple enough to be built by high school students. Companies like SpaceX can launch one of these satellites in orbit at a cheaper price – from $ 1,300 per pound. However, there are only a few “parking” satellite parking spaces in orbit in the world, and these are rapidly filling up.The best parking is located in the geostationary area, approximately 22,250 kilometers (35,800 km) above the equator. The satellite in geostationary orbit orbits at the same rate as the Earth, landing more directly than one location on Earth – which can be very useful for satellite communications, broadcasts and weather.
United Nations agency called the International Telecommunication Union
There are only 1,800 spaces for geostationary orbital slots, and as of February 2022, 541 of them were occupied by active satellites. Countries and private companies are already looking for the majority of vacant spacesthat provide access to major markets, and satellites will fill them up or wait for launch. If, for example, a new astronaut wants to place a satellite in an area in the Atlantic Ocean already mentioned, they will have to choose a less satellite location or buy equipment in that land. they wanted. Orbital spaces are given to a United Nations agency called the International Telecommunication Union . Spaces are free, but they go to countries by first arrival, the base provided first . When the satellite reaches the end of 15 to 20 years of life, the earth can simply change and renew its grip in space. This allows countries to successfully retain these positions Countries that already have expertise in using geostationary orbit have greater advantages than those without.
While geostationary orbital spaces are very useful and limited, there are many other paths around the earth. These, too, are crowded – which adds to the growing problem of space debris.Low Earth orbit is 1,000 miles (1,600 km) above the surface . Low-lying satellites are moving rapidly in the densest regions. While this may be an ideal location for Earth imaging satellites, it is not suitable for individual communication satellites – such as those used for television, radio and internet broadcasting.
Low Earth orbit can be used to communicate when multiple satellites work together to form a constellation. Companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin are working on projects to place thousands of satellites in orbit around the earth in the next few years to provide global internet access. The first generation of SpaceX’sStarlink contains 1,926 satellites, and the second generation will add another 30,000 to orbit.At the current rate, large space players are rapidly taking over the earth’s orbit and ground, which may control access to vital satellite capabilities and add to space debris.
Access to space resources
Orbital spaces are a place where inequality exists today. The future of space could be the golden rush of resources – and not everyone will benefit.Asteroids carry incredible amounts of minerals and essential metals . Later this year, NASA launched an investigation to test an asteroid called the 16 Psyche, which scientists estimate contains more than US $ 10 quintillion worth of metal .Clicking on a deposit of major resources such as these and taking them to Earth could provide significant improvements to the space economy while disrupting the economies of countries currently dependent on exports of minerals and metals.
Another very important resource in space is helium-3, a rare version of helium that scientists think could be used in nuclear fusion without producing radioactive waste. Although there are major technological barriers that need to be overcome before helium-3 becomes a viable source of energy, if it works, there are enough deposits in the moon and elsewhere in the solar system to meet the energy needs of hundreds of years . If the superpowers travel in space to develop the technology to be used and to mine helium-3 – and choose not to share profits with other nations – it could lead to lasting inequality.
Artemis Accords
Existing international space laws are not well suited to manage the complex web of private companies and countries competing for space services. Countries that organize into groups – or “space blocs” – meet the terms and conditions of the future space shuttle systems.Two notable space blocs plan to lay the foundations and potential mining operations of the month: the Artemis Accords , led by the U.S., and the combined Chinese and Russian programs .
Currently, major players in space are developing systems to exploit resources. There is a danger that instead of focusing on what is best for everyone in the world, competition will drive these decisions, damaging the local environment and causing conflict. History shows that it is difficult to challenge international norms once established.Access to space is essential to the functioning of the modern nation. Access to space will become increasingly important as humanity rapidly develops into the future of space hotels and colonies on Mars.The 1967 Outer Space Treaty, the first document in space law, states that space should be used “for the benefit and interests of all nations .” Policies applicable today will determine whether this is the case in the future.
Fore more read: https://www.space.com/wealthy-nations-space-resources-inequity
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