A beacon of hope
Does the search for new discoveries justify the cost of delving into the unknown? When asked this recently, I argued that in today’s uncertain world it truly does. But perhaps the better answer comes from the lessons of history.
Where would we be now had the 17th and 18th century Enlightenment not taken place? A time with resonance for today, when people fundamentally questioned power structures amid global violence and repression. The Scientific Revolution powered the Enlightenment, transforming views of nature and society, allowing ideas to flow and technological leaps forward that shaped the world. The rise of scientific Societies and Academies across Europe provided safe spaces to expand human knowledge, and to protect those persecuted for their views. And while the technologies developed were also used in the violence of the revolutions that followed, the Enlightenment’s successful drive for tolerance and liberty was made possible by science and innovation.?
Freedom of thought is fragile and precious. Today, the science and technology ecosystems – the communities and collaborations – that we build do more than secure future missions and fund R&D programmes. They are the lifeblood for dissemination of thought between organisations and individuals.
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As CEO of the UK Space Agency , I’m used to thinking about space for the value it brings to society – the data for citizens, the economic growth, the international collaborations, and the protection from space-based threats. But what about our role as beacons of hope in the dangerous times we live in today?
It is very tempting to see science as aloof from social change. It isn’t – it underpins the fabric of our society and affects how we think of ourselves. It wasn’t until William Harvey proved that blood circulated through veins and arteries that Galen’s theory of balanced bile, phlegm and blood was thrown out. It led to vastly more effective treatments, but it also changed society – medicine that worked gave people trust in institutions like hospitals, and in time the NHS.
Some of this may sound familiar to anyone who has heard me speak recently at events like Space Comm Expo Scotland and the Defence Space Conference. These events aren’t easy to deliver – they take hard work and commitment to pull off successfully. But they are vital as they facilitate the free transfer of ideas, knowledge and different viewpoints between different communities. Without this, we can’t develop the new mission ideas, capabilities and technologies that really make a difference to people’s lives.
I’ve been talking a lot over the past month to teams within the Agency and beyond about how we can do more to use the power of space to enlighten and inspire. And I’m looking forward to having some more good conversations at the International Astronautical Congress on 14-18 October. I want to hear more ideas about how we, in the space industry and beyond, can help build a more positive and sustainable future.
Space is a team sport and, while we all have busy roles and need to keep our eyes on the detail, I think it also pays to remember that in the darkness of space shines that beacon of hope.?
Staff member at European Space Agency
1 个月Well said Paul! However, a critical economic audit is necessary as bold initiatives require development of critical technologies. impact of these, is not always known in advance or predictable but sincere effort is required to assess economic and social impact. It should not be always 100% taxpayer funded. Any bold initiative must be supported by private interprise investment (Space X is a good example! ), though I admit, it is not so black & white!
Commercial Vice President at Astroscale
1 个月The world's coffeehouse is at our fingertips. Let's take full advantage of it.
Chair & NED | Strategic Advisor | Innovation Unleasher | Change Enabler | Govtech Advocate | STEM Ambassador
1 个月Well said, Paul Bate! Facilitating "the free transfer of ideas, knowledge and different viewpoints between different communities" is our day job at Global Network On Sustainability In Space. We don't believe in complaining from the sidelines about the growing risks to the space environment - we work to foster dialogue and collaboration to accelerate innovation to create solutions. Note to Peter Kyle - The UK should nurture its "beacons of hope".
Space Sector Strategic Advisor and visiting Professor; FRAS, FBIS
1 个月True words but curiosity needs to be driven by those who are curious. Too often i fear it is a badge used to hide other motives. Aspects of the current push by some of our space community seek to to exploit “wonder” for national posture or security? To counter this let it be clear who defines the goals for the science and technology push… and let us insist this is indeed a team sport across all science communities… Space surely is the one environment we can hope for less “them vs us” and instead aspire for “we”…
Senior strategist
1 个月It’s so important for space programs to keep why we do what we do front and center. Thank you, Paul Bate, for making a cogent, compelling case! We so appreciate the partnership with the UK Space Agency.