Using Space and Space Technologies together with Blended Global Finance to meet the SDG’s and international climate goals

Space is ubiquitous. In the digital world and thanks to IoT, sensors, AI, robotics, etc. our world and our planet have become connected via space and in space. It is not an overstatement to say that today our world and our universe are dependent on space, whether it be for connectivity, observation, analysis of all things, people, weather, mobility, infrastructure, environment, climate change, etc.

It is also not an overstatement to say that “Space” is the perfect realisation of Global Blended Finance Alliance, having from the very beginning inspired innovation in a spirit of international cooperation that has benefitted governments, citizens, and our earth. One need only look at such examples as the International Space Station, publicprivate launch and satellite consortia, publicly funded research giving way to space exploration and exploitation as examples of “Blended Finance” in a sector which by its very nature is global. We are at a critical point in our utilisation of Space and just as we sounded the alarm bells for our planet, we must now all come together to make certain that Space remains the valuable resource it is for life on earth.

Space fulfils all of the SDG’s on earth and more in the universe. Were you only to think of the GPS satellites which are essential to our mobility today, not even mentioning autonomous driving; when you think of the weather satellites; when you think of the “traditional” satellites such as SES, Intelsat, Inmarsat, together with the new satellite constellations such as Kacific or Starlink providing the Internet either directly or via trunking to billions around the world; when you think of the advent of 5 G, many times enabled by satellite frequencies or in the case of new constellations such as AST Mobile, actually bringing 5G directly from satellites to the phone, space is green, clean, democratic, universal, connected and more. Space helps alleviate poverty, bring education and communication to all, monitor our oceans, our planet, our air, our climate.

In April of this year, 2022, the United Nations charted a new path for “Meaningful Universal Connectivity”. “Meaningful Universal Connectivity” means that anyone, anywhere, regardless of geographic location, socio-economic status, race, gender, or any other differentiating demographic, has access to affordable services and devices to connect to reliable and safe internet.

Whereas certainly space tourism captures the imagination of many, the role of space in our digital world and economy is crucial, critical, and enabling.

But just as we are recognising that the earth’s resources are not limitless, and that we must limit and if possible eliminate pollution and degradation of our earthly environment, we are now understanding that space is also a limited resource which must be shared equally amongst all of the world’s population, so that some countries, in particular the emerging “Space Faring “ ones are not excluded from reaping Space’s benefits. Just as we strive to overcome “Digital Divides”, we must make certain to not have a “Space Divide” with those countries who are only now asking for access to space orbital positions and frequencies.

This is why I recently helped pen the European Business Angels Manifesto for a Clean, Safe, Equitable and Peaceful Space for All, (https://www.eban.org/manifesto-for-aclean-safe-equitable-and-peaceful-space-forall-by-eban-space/)

I am also a proud fellow of the Happy Digital X Leadership program that produced the world’s first satellite traced ocean plastic waste turned into digital weave featured at the COP and G20.

Candace Johnson

Founder/Co-founder SES, Loral Teleport Europe, Europe Online, GTWN, OWNSAT, VATM, GBRW, Currently: Chair Seraphim Space Advisory Board and Partner, Vice-Chair NorthStar Earth & Space, Executive Board Member