The exploration and settlement of space is crucial for humanity’s advancement, fostering technological innovation and global collaboration. By 2040, a sustainable space economy will thrive, with no debris footprints. Future technologies will enable high-speed travel in Very Low Earth Orbit, and large structures will be built in space through in-orbit techniques. There will be a connected Solar System through an extensive internet, assisting robotic and human missions to the Moon and Mars for resource discovery. Satellites will be eco-friendly, utilizing energy-efficient systems, while habitats will be self-sustaining. This era promises a thriving human presence among the stars, driven by sustainability and knowledge exploration.
| name | description | change | 10-year | driving-force | relevancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sustainable Space Economy | A thriving, circular space economy with zero debris by 2040. | Transition from traditional space practices to a sustainable economy reducing waste. | In 10 years, space activities will enhance environmental efforts on Earth, promoting sustainability. | The need for resource management and environmental protection amidst growing earth concerns. | 5 |
| In-Orbit Self-Assembly Techniques | Innovative methods for assembling large structures in space without terrestrial methods. | Shift from ground-based construction to space-based building techniques. | In 10 years, large space facilities will be operational, revolutionizing space infrastructure. | Technological advancements in materials and engineering for space applications. | 4 |
| Deep Space Communication Network | A robust internet connecting all Solar System locations for seamless communication. | Enhancing communication capabilities from isolated to connected systems across space. | In 10 years, real-time communication between Earth and far-off missions will be commonplace. | Technological advancements in communication systems to support space exploration. | 4 |
| Sustainable Energy Innovations | Developments in energy-efficient solar power for deep space travel. | From conventional power sources to advanced renewable energy systems for space. | In 10 years, sustainable energy systems will enable extensive human habitation in space. | The push for sustainability in light of limited resources on Earth. | 5 |
| Resource Mining on Asteroids/Comets | Missions aimed at mining asteroids and comets for valuable resources. | From Earth-based resource extraction to off-world mining of celestial bodies. | In 10 years, space mining will provide essential materials, reshaping supply chains. | The necessity for alternative resources to support growing planetary demands. | 4 |
| Self-Sustaining Human Habitats in Space | Human habitats on the Moon and Mars designed to support life independently. | Transitioning from dependent to self-sustaining living environments in space. | In 10 years, human habitats will promote long-term survival and exploration in space. | The desire for prolonged human presence and exploration beyond Earth. | 5 |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Resource Scarcity in Space Exploration | As we explore and settle in space, there may be competition for limited resources like asteroids and comet materials, leading to potential conflicts. |
| Environmental Impact of Space Debris | Despite plans for zero debris footprints, the growth of space activities raises concerns about space debris impacting Earth’s environment and future missions. |
| Technological Dependency | Reliance on advanced technologies for communication and navigation could create vulnerabilities in the event of technology failures or cyber threats. |
| Inequality in Space Access | Advancements in space technology may exacerbate inequalities, with only certain nations or corporations benefiting from resources and opportunities in space. |
| Sustainability of Life Support Systems | Creating self-sustaining habitats in space poses risks; potential failures in life support systems could jeopardize human survival. |
| Ethical Concerns of Resource Extraction | Mining asteroids and comet bodies raises ethical questions about resource ownership and the potential exploitation of celestial bodies. |
| Global Collaboration and Conflict | While space exploration encourages collaboration, geopolitical tensions could arise over territorial claims and resource rights in space. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Space Exploration and Settlement | Humanity will actively explore and settle in space, driving technological innovation and resource discovery. |
| Sustainable Space Economy | A circular and sustainable space economy will thrive by minimizing environmental impact and managing resources effectively. |
| In-Orbit Self-Assembly | Large structures will be assembled in space using self-assembly techniques rather than terrestrial manufacturing methods. |
| Advanced Communication Networks | A robust internet connecting Earth, satellites, and spacecraft will enable seamless communication across the Solar System. |
| Resource Mining in Space | Missions will focus on mining comets and asteroids for valuable materials to advance our understanding of the Solar System. |
| Energy-Efficient Space Technologies | Innovations in energy-efficient solar systems and travel technologies will support sustainability in space environments. |
| Self-Sustaining Habitats | Human habitats in space will maintain self-sufficiency with advanced technologies for life support. |
| Ecosphere Management for Satellites | Satellites will be designed to minimize environmental impacts, ensuring careful management throughout their life cycle. |
| Collaborative Global Efforts | Exploration and colonization of space will inspire global collaboration for addressing Earth’s challenges. |
| Innovation Mindset | A relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation will characterize humanity’s endeavors in space exploration. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Sustainable Space Economy | A circular economy in space that eliminates debris and manages resources efficiently. |
| Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) Vehicles | High-speed vehicles designed for precise navigation in VLEO, utilizing new remote sensing technologies. |
| In-orbit Self-Assembly Techniques | Techniques for assembling large structures in space, independent of terrestrial manufacturing. |
| Robust Interplanetary Internet | An internet infrastructure connecting Earth, satellites, and spacecraft across the Solar System. |
| Sustainable Satellites | Satellites designed to minimize ecological impact, with a managed life cycle for environmental protection. |
| Energy-efficient Solar Power Systems | Innovative solar power systems designed for sustainability in space travel and habitation. |
| Self-sustaining Human Habitats | Habitats on the Moon and Mars that support human life with advanced technologies. |
| Asteroid and Comet Mining | Extracting valuable resources from asteroids and comets to understand the Solar System’s history. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Sustainable Space Economy | A circular and sustainable economy in space, focused on minimizing environmental footprints and maximizing resource utilization. |
| In-orbit Self-assembly | The development of in-orbit self-assembly techniques for constructing large space structures, reducing reliance on terrestrial manufacturing. |
| Advanced Remote Sensing | New capabilities for high-speed vehicles navigating VLEO, enhancing the ability to monitor and collect data from space. |
| Resource Mining in Space | Mining operations on comets and asteroids for resources that can provide insights into the Solar System’s history and support human activities. |
| Deep Space Sustainability Technologies | Innovations in solar power systems and technologies for sustaining life in extreme environments of space travel. |
| Seamless Space Communication Infrastructure | A robust internet connecting Earth with satellites and spacecraft to facilitate communication and operational efficiency. |
| Self-sustaining Human Habitats | Development of human habitats in orbit, the Moon, and Mars that are capable of producing their own resources and supporting life. |