SPACE TECH TACKLES PROBLEMS ON EARTH
▶ UAE expert shows how galactic science brings benefits for planet
Technology developed for use in space programmes could play a greater role in health care on Earth and help avoid future pandemics, a UAE scientist says.
Satellites are already monitoring the environment and climate change, as well as helping in disaster relief missions.
Canadian scientists, astronauts and Nasa space experts explored how space could help during the Covid-19 pandemic, by tracking infections and remote health care.
The team, led by UAE-born scientist Dr Farhan Asrar, has published its findings in science journal Nature Medicine.
“Space as a whole plays a significant role on a public health level,” said Dr Asrar, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto. “The roles we see space playing, from tele-epidemiology and remote satellite technology, look at outbreaks of disease so we can investigate them further.
“During a pandemic, satellites can be used to monitor movement of certain vectors, like birds, insects or animals that may transmit zoonotic disease.”
Dr Asrar said this could reveal patterns of virus or disease that may spread in certain temperatures.
“Satellites can track these vectors to benefit us as a global population,” he said.
During the 2013-16 Ebola outbreak in western Africa, space technology was used to track dense populations and monitor cases, as well as the flow of infections or temperatures that encouraged disease.
Dr Asrar led a team of more than 100 professionals and experts from more than 30 countries to explore space exploration’s role during the Covid-19 pandemic.
They presented their findings at the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs in Vienna, Austria.
In June 2020, Nasa, the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency joined forces to develop the Covid-19 Earth Observation Dashboard.
It uses satellite imagery and data to document planet-wide changes caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, such as traffic flow, economic activity, air quality and movement of people.
Products developed for space include temporary field laboratories that can withstand harsh climates and vests that are able to monitor the wearer’s vital signs.
The Biomonitor looks like a normal gym shirt, but provides round-the-clock information on biological parameters. It can be used to monitor hospital patients with Covid-19 to reduce physical interaction and the risk of infections, or to check on patients suffering from long Covid.
“A lot of costs went into development and research, but it is the same with cell phones,” said Dr Asrar.
“They were very expensive and exclusive at the start but are now affordable and mainstream.
“It is much the same with space technology.”
Several research centres have been established in the UAE to support and develop space sciences. A Dh100 million ($27.2m) centre operated by the UAE Space Agency, UAE University and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority will further develop the industry.
“Everyone thinks of space travel, but there is so much more technology developed in that journey, such as camera phones, GPS or weather reports that can predict climate change on Earth,” said Dr Asrar.
“The strides that the UAE has taken in its space programme and by developing its satellites has captured the interest in this area of health care and engineering.
“It has great potential.”
The Covid-19 Earth Observation Dashboard uses satellites to track planet-wide changes caused by the pandemic