Share and care for a better world—the engine for future of space

• Published in: Acta astronautica 2004-06, Vol.54 (11), p.865-869
• Main Author: Kasturirangan, K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0094-5765; 1879-2030
• DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2004.01.046

Ever since the advent of the space era in the 20th century, humanity has made significant progress in the development and use of space science and technology to address human needs, and for using it as a tool for improving quality of life. Humankind has sent satellites into orbit to provide daily information on Earth's weather, images for use in managing natural resources, for managing disasters, and for monitoring the environment, providing communication linkages that have shrunk distances between communities. Space technology also has shown its potential in supporting the global efforts to bring peace and development in the world-especially by its ability to support equality of development and providing new tools to accelerate development. As a community resource, space is inherently accessible to all and is capable of serving without distinction between the rich and the poor and its outreach can transcend barriers of knowledge, literacy, and any form of social or geographical imbalance. Thus, its role for serving the global community in effectively facing the challenges of the new millennium will continue to be significant.