“To improve data quality and coverage, expanding the EO infrastructure by launching additional high-definition and hyperspectral satellites will become essential”

Gagandeep Kaur, Farah Diya Yasmine, La-Quita G On behalf of Space Law and Policy Project Group’s EO & Human Rights team

Historically, the space industry has been predominantly led by countries in the Global North. It is only in recent years that nations from the Global South have begun to actively engage in the space sector, recognizing the potential space benefits for national development. We have seen sustained efforts from these countries to develop their respective national space industries, harnessing space technology to address their country’s unique needs based on their national circumstances.

This blog post highlights contributions made by the following select countries in the Global South:

India

India is already a major contributor to global space technology, thanks to its significant progress in Earth observation (EO) capabilities (Kumari et al., 2022). The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed and successfully launched many EO satellites, such as the Cartosat, Resourcesat, and Oceansat series. These satellites provide high-resolution data essential for various applications including agriculture, disaster management, and environmental monitoring.

One of India’s greatest technological achievements in Earth observation is the Cartosat-3 spacecraft, launched in 2019, which is one of the world’s most advanced EO satellites with an impressive 25cm spatial resolution (Kumar et al., 2021). This high-resolution capability is critical for military surveillance, infrastructure development, and urban planning, providing accurate data for both government and commercial purposes. In addition, the Resourcesat-2A satellite’s multispectral imagery will be critical for water resource management, forestry, and agriculture, supporting sustainable practices in these sectors (PwC, 2022; Navalgund et al.)

India has been at the forefront of regulatory initiatives to better use EO data. The draft 2021 Spacecom Policy encourages private sector participation in space and highlights the value of satellite EO data for governance (Kumari et al., 2022). However, a complete regulatory framework for privacy, commercialization, and regulation of EO data still needs to be improved, given the growing presence of private companies in the space industry (PwC, 2022).

Indonesia

Earth observation is one of five missions on satellite mastery and development in Indonesia, as mentioned in Article 30(2), Section B of Law No. 21 of 2013 on Space Activities [Indonesian Space Law]. The existence of LAPAN A1 in orbit is proof of the mission journey as the first national Earth observation microsatellite, followed by LAPAN A2, LAPAN A3, and LAPAN A4 [UNOOSA, Indonesian Satellite, 2024] [Gunter’s Space Page, 2023 (1)] [Gunter’s Space Page, 2023 (2)] [Gunter’s Space Page, 2023 (3)] [Gunter’s Space Page, 2023 (4)]. Another accomplishment, through the KiboCUBE Program, Surya University (Indonesia) launched Surya Satellite-1 (SS-1) from the International Space Station in 2023 [United Nations Secretariat, 2023] [UNOOSA, 2023].

Indonesia’s ambition to develop the national Earth observation constellation microsatellite provides dedication to launching more space objects under the authority of Organisasi Riset Penerbangan dan Antariksa, Badan Riset dan Innovasi Nasional (ORPA BRIN) [KOMPAS: BRIN, 2024] [SpaceWatch Asia Pacific, 2018]. According to the Indonesian delegation’s statement at the 61st Session of the Science and Technical Subcommittee of the UNCOPUOS, Indonesia plans to launch Nusantara Earth Observation (NEO-1) that will observe the country in the vast range [UNOOSA, Indonesia General Statement to UNCOPUOS, 2024]. NEO-1 will be the first Indonesian satellite constellation that retains two ultra-high-resolution satellites, four high-resolution satellites, and two synthetic aperture radars [BRIN, 2024].

The constellation poses the potential to optimize the earth observation development and implementation for national benefits and welfare, particularly disaster mitigation in the Pacific Ring of Fire areas in Indonesia, namely around Java and Sumatra islands [ArcGIS StoryMaps, 2024] [EarthSky, 2023]. To date, the application of remote sensing satellite data in disaster mitigation includes early warning, emergency response, and post-disaster management activities that are also functional for land and forest fires, floods and landslides, oil spills, and the COVID-19 pandemic [UNOOSA, Indonesia on Item Agenda 9, 2022].

Further, maritime surveillance is also vital, considering Indonesia’s strategic position with abundant marine natural resources, which invites various challenges, such as illegal fishing and unlawful vessel sailing. For instance, LAPAN A4’s optical imager helps to monitor the environment and natural resources, and the Automatic Identification System records millions of ship traffic daily [UNOOSA, Indonesia on Item Agenda 7, 2022].

Moreover, the advancement of space technology in different sectors will accommodate numerous national ideals, such as the Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision to Sustainable Development Goals [Indonesia 2045, 2024] [SDGs Indonesia, 2024]. The remote sensing application comprises zero hunger, clean water and sanitation, sustainable cities and communities, climate action, life below water, and life on land [UNOOSA, Indonesia on Item Agenda 5, 2024]. Assessing the massive benefits, contributing factors such as education, empowerment, and opportunities for expansion in jobs and networking in the space sector, in and beyond the STEM field, should be expanded. Diverse communities and circles hopefully can be involved in each launched program proportionally, including extending the research to more local branches.

Mexico

Mexico has also made significant strides in Earth observation. The Mexican Space Agency envisions that Mexico will become one of the leading nations in the space industry, creating goods and offering services thereby enhancing the economy and the quality of life of the population. To that end, Mexico has actively sought to forge partnerships regionally and internationally to harness the power of this technology to address the unique challenges and needs of the country and region including agriculture, climate change, and disaster management.

In 2019, Mexico partnered with NASA to develop and launch AzTechSat-1, a small satellite of 4 inches on each side [NASA, 2020]. This was the first Mexican nanosatellite launched from the International Space Station. In June of that year, Mexico also launched Painani-1, the first Mexican nanosatellite to be launched into orbit. The Mexican Climate and Atmospheric Composition Observatory was established in 2022.

The TRUE Remote Sensing Campaign began in 2022 by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), FIA Foundation, and Mexico City Secretaría del Medio Ambiente (SEDEMA). This initiative endeavors to measure exhaust emissions through remote sensing technology and use this data to inform policies regarding the improvement of air quality [FIA Foundation, 2022].

Cognisant of the strategic advantage of collaboration, Mexico has also partnered with other countries. In 2021, the Convention establishing the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (ALCE) was opened for signature. ALCE is intended to serve as an international organization that coordinates regional space activities that foster sustainable development [Gobierno de México, 2021]. In February 2024, the governments of Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago organized a virtual conference to launch the Geospatial Observation Centre in coordination with the University of the West Indies. Mexico has also partnered with India to harness the power of satellite technology to inform decision-making in the different phases of forest fires [Gobierno de México, 2024].

Mexico has not yet established a national legal framework to govern space activities. However, Mexico has developed General Guidelines for Space Policy, the National Space Activities Plan, and the Federal Government Satellite Policy.

The path forward

There are still several opportunities that the countries as discussed above may look into to more fully realize their potential in harnessing EO technology. 

To improve data quality and coverage, expanding the EO infrastructure by launching additional high-definition and hyperspectral satellites will become essential (Kumari et al., 20-22). Creating the Geo Imaging Satellite (GISAT), which provides real-time imaging capabilities, is a step in the right direction. However, further action is needed. In addition, the creation of sophisticated data analysis systems is vital to turn raw satellite data into insights that can be acted on by policymakers in various industries (Navalgund et al., 2007; PwC, 2020).

Control Over Satellites

Countries aiming to maximize their EO capabilities should consider national ownership and operational control over satellite assets, especially for critical infrastructure. This control would enable the development of policies and regulations tailored to national needs while ensuring that the data generated aligns with government priorities. However, these nations should also weigh the trade-offs between full control and the cost-effective alternative of collaborating with international partners to share satellite resources.

National Ownership: Building and controlling a national constellation of EO satellites, like Indonesia’s planned Nusantara Earth Observation (NEO-1), offers more autonomy in terms of data access and usage. Yet, this demands significant investment in satellite development, ground infrastructure, and a skilled workforce to manage the systems.

Collaborative Ownership and Shared Access: Nations can explore joint ownership models, where regional coalitions share satellites for common interests like disaster management, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. This model could reduce the financial burden while promoting regional cooperation, as seen in the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (ALCE), which Mexico joined to foster space activities across the region.

Resource Sharing

Resource-sharing mechanisms—both in terms of satellite infrastructure and data—can address the constraints faced by countries with limited space budgets. Nations in the Global South could build cooperative frameworks where they pool satellite assets and share the data collected. This strategy can enhance coverage, data accuracy, and timeliness without requiring each nation to launch its own full-scale EO program.

Public-Private Partnerships: Governments can partner with private sector players who operate EO satellites. These partnerships can facilitate access to high-resolution data without the immediate need for satellite launches, while private companies benefit from government use cases to enhance their business models.

International Cooperation: Collaborations with major space agencies or programs, such as the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Copernicus program, which offers free and open access to EO data, provide cost-effective alternatives to launching national satellites. Expanding such collaborations, perhaps with more targeted agreements for regional applications, can bridge capacity gaps for Global South nations.

Access to Launch

For countries with emerging space industries, access to launch remains a significant barrier. This includes both the physical capability to send satellites into orbit and the affordability of launch services. Here’s how these nations can approach it:

Affordable Launch Platforms: Countries can explore partnerships with established spacefaring nations or private launch providers, such as India’s PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) or SpaceX’s rideshare programs, which offer cost-effective launch services. Countries like Mexico and Indonesia could leverage these affordable launches to deploy their satellites, as exemplified by Indonesia’s use of KiboCUBE to launch the Surya Satellite-1 from the International Space Station (ISS).

Local Launch Capacity: Nations like India, which already have indigenous launch capabilities, can consider offering launch services to regional partners, contributing to space diplomacy and fostering regional development. Resource-sharing agreements or launch consortiums may further democratize access to space, particularly for countries without dedicated launch vehicles.

It is necessary to make EO technologies more widely and consistently used across different governmental agencies and sectors in official decision-making processes. While EO data are widely used for managing disasters, they are less commonly used for protecting the environment and for urban planning (PwC, 2022; GEO, 2023). 

Kumar et al. (2021) argue that the effective use of EO technology requires the expansion of the satellite network, the strengthening of the regulatory framework, and the improvement of data analysis capacities. Collaborating with global EO projects and establishing public-private partnerships will be essential to address these issues and promote sustainable development and effective disaster management (ADB, 2021; ESA, 2021). Similarly, more sustained collaboration with regional and international partners will benefit many emerging nations whose entry into this industry may be impeded due to limited resources or other pressing social needs.

Targeted research and development efforts are essential so that this technology can be modified to meet the specific needs of a given industry. For example, using EO data for precision agriculture and crop yield estimation is particularly challenging in the Indian context, where farming is predominantly small-scale (Garg et al., 2012).

In conclusion, while these countries have already made significant progress in developing capabilities in using Earth observation technologies, these countries would benefit from more robust infrastructure, manpower resources, and an effective policy and regulatory environment to better harness space benefits.

 

About the Authors

Gagandeep Kaur is a Space Researcher and technologist and a member of the Earth Observation and Human Rights Group.

Farah Diya Yasmine is a member of the Earth Observation and Human Rights Group.

La-Quita is Co-lead of the Earth Observation and Human Rights Group.