How do countries benefit from starting a space program?

How do countries benefit from starting a space program?

The first step to understanding your customer is to understand why they do what they do, and the financial, cultural, and global benefits they have. Your customer, maybe an individual, a company or even a whole country, but understanding them and their needs is the same.

Why do countries start a space program?

Space exploration is a complex and expensive endeavour, requiring significant investment from government and private sectors. Countries have different approaches and motivations for promoting space exploration. Projects vary from large-scale government-led programs to more modest private-sector initiatives. Space programs provide nations with numerous benefits that can advance their scientific, technological, economic, and geopolitical interests.

One of the main reasons for entering space exploration is scientific advancement: Space exploration and research provides opportunities for scientists and engineers to develop new technologies and advance our understanding of the universe. This can lead to breakthroughs in fields such as astronomy, physics, and medicine. Space programs often drive innovation and advances in related technological fields, leading to the development of new products, services, and industries. The spin off products from space related research including the CMOS sensors developed by JPL now found in most Smartphones and Marietta Laboratories’ work on nutritional supplements are often cited as reasons for countries to develop a space capability. The economic benefits of a space program; job creation and the stimulation of economic growth, both directly through employment in the space industry and indirectly through supply industries and exports are related to the quest for pure scientific progress.

As at the start of 2023 over 80 nations have launched satellites. Many of these are intended to provide better telecommunications, but an increasing proportion are being used to improve environmental monitoring. Space-based sensors and remote-sensing satellites can provide valuable data on environmental conditions, including weather patterns, climate change, and natural disasters. This information can be used to improve disaster response, mitigate environmental damage, and support sustainable development. Most of these launches are carried out in partnership with more established space faring countries. Sudan launched the “Sudan Remote Sensing Satellite (SRSS)-1” in 2019 in partnership with Chinese satellite manufacturer Shenzhen Aerospace Oriental Red Sea Satellite Co. The Kyushu Institute of Technology has supported many countries’ first forays into space, including Bhutan, Paraguay and Sri Lanka.

This cooperative effort has several benefits for the countries taking their first steps into space. Having a successful space program can increase a country’s prestige and visibility on the world stage, demonstrating its technological and scientific capabilities. It can also inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, contributing to the development of a strong STEM workforce for the future. Space programs can play a role in enhancing national security by providing capabilities such as satellite communication and early warning. Sudan, for instance, is candid in discussing SRSS-1’s potential for defence related activities.

How we can help you

Exploiting the commercial potential of a space program, is essential to realise a return on the considerable investment. Connecting with Terra Sales Solutions will enable the many smaller businesses of emerging space nations to develop markets for the revenue generating spin offs. Our expertise is in helping SME’s build sales and markets for their complex technical products. The engineering background of our team means you are supported by a strategic plan for international sales channel growth. To learn more about Terra Sales Solutions and how we can work with you to achieve your international expansion goals in any part of the planet, book a conversation, and make sure you follow us on LinkedIn.