Embarking on any journey into space is essential for the advancement of humanity. By exploring – and settling – in space, we drive technological innovation, identify valuable resources and inspire global collaboration. This endeavour not only addresses pressing challenges on Earth, including resource scarcity and environmental sustainability, but also pushes the boundaries of our knowledge and capabilities.
Journey with us through the Technology 2040 Vision document as we head into space in the year 2040. Humanity’s presence in space will have reached unprecedented heights, with a circular and sustainable space economy thriving, leaving zero debris footprints. In Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), high-speed vehicles will navigate space with precision, taking advantage of new remote sensing capabilities. Large space structures will no longer be bound by terrestrial manufacturing, instead being assembled in the vacuum of space through in-orbit self-assembly techniques. Our Solar System will be connected by a robust internet, enabling seamless communication between Earth, satellites, and distant spacecraft. Robotic and human missions on the Moon and Mars will uncover new frontiers and valuable resources. Comet bodies and asteroids will be mined, their materials helping to reveal our Solar System’s history.
Satellites will be designed to minimize their impact on Earth’s ecosphere, with all stages of their life cycle carefully managed to ensure environmental protection. Energy-efficient solar power systems and deep space travel innovations will ensure sustainability in the harshest environments. Human habitats in orbit, on the Moon, and on Mars will be self-sustaining, supporting life with advanced technologies. In this new era, humans will thrive among the stars, marked by innovation, sustainability, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. The cosmos will no longer be a distant frontier, but a home.