In his latest book, space scientist, futurist, and educator Joseph N. Pelton explores a dozen ways that Planet Earth is at “existential” risk, along with the many ways that space systems, data analytics, and advanced networking systems can help us cope with these global challenges. The chapters examine in a straightforward way how satellite systems and technology can drastically transform fields such as pandemic tracking and global medical responses, cosmic hazard monitoring, nuclear energy and waste disposal, water and land pollution, tele-education/telemedicine, and military conflict. Such examples show how orbiting smart systems will play an ever more vital role in our vulnerable modern world, allowing us to monitor, track, and respond to mounting problems of the 21st century. Dr. Pelton takes a broad view, probing the social, economic, and regulatory factors that are crucial to creating a more sustainable “Spaceship Earth.” This book is a call to action, promoting more organized international collaboration and investment in space technologies that can enable global change.
