Fields of Application for Space Technologies

Multiple classification methods are possible for outer space applications, and various organizations opt for different approaches. Our selection of outer space applications, are supported by outer space technologies and spread across the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals. For further information please see the UNOOSA’s report on Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (UNOOSA, 2018). The applications covered are

  • Agriculture
  • Biodiversity & Ecosystems & Environmental Monitoring
  • Climate Change
  • Consumer Products
  • Disaster Management
  • Energy
  • Fishery
  • Forestry & Ecology
  • Geosciences
  • Health
  • Industrial Application
  • Migration and settlement
  • Natural Resources Management
  • Security
  • Urban Planning
  • Water Management & Marine Sciences

These categories are not entirely exclusive. For example, Natural Resources Management also encompasses fishery and forestry among other applications. Nonetheless, it is likely that some users would be particularly interested in natural resources management as a separate category thus it is also included. This classification was selected after multiple iterations based on discussions with UNOOSA staff. At this point in time it was deemed to be the most encompassing and straightforward way of communicating the outer space applications to the readers. Nonetheless, the number of applications is likely to increase in the future and the report will be updated accordingly. You are welcome to share your feedback. In the following sections definitions of each outer space application are provided.

Related Content

Article

Interview with Dr Khalid Mahmood, Assistant Professor at the University of the Punjab

Could you describe your professional career and/or personal experiences related to space technology and water? Where does your interest in those sectors come from?

I started my research career in 2013, with research interests revolving around various environmental concerns that were deeply rooted in water related issues of Pakistan. Having an educational background in Space Science, it was quite intuitive to possess understanding of the very high potential of applicability of Geospatial technologies in the water sector.

Interview with Dr Khalid Mahmood, Assistant Professor at the University of the Punjab

Could you describe your professional career and/or personal experiences related to space technology and water? Where does your interest in those sectors come from?

I started my research career in 2013, with research interests revolving around various environmental concerns that were deeply rooted in water related issues of Pakistan. Having an educational background in Space Science, it was quite intuitive to possess understanding of the very high potential of applicability of Geospatial technologies in the water sector.

Call: CASSINI Maritime Prize Contest - EU Space for Marine Ecosystems Protection

Of the 300 million tons of plastic produced every year, an estimated 26 million eventually ends up in the ocean. As a result, some estimates suggest there are now 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic in our oceans and seas. Even more concerning is the fact that this number is expected to increase, with National Geographic predicting that the annual amount of plastic flowing into the oceans will triple by 2040. 

Event

Stakeholder