Asia’s first think tank of global science experts launched

Key Concepts:

• Space Technology Commercialization in Asia
• Satellite Data Applications (Agriculture, Logistics, Disaster Relief)
• Space Economy & Economic Impact
• Public-Private Partnership in Space Sector
• Democratization of Space
• Space as a Catalyst for Good
• Self-Reliance through Space Technology
• Future Potential of Space Technologies (Materials, Pharmaceuticals, Communication)

1. Launch of SST Think Tank & Its Mission

• Singapore has launched Asia's first think tank of global space experts, the SST (Singapore Space and Technology) Think Tank, dedicated to commercializing space in Asia.
• The think tank aims to unlock over $600 billion for the region's economy by leveraging space technology.
• It is a non-profit, non-governmental organization and a neutral platform.
• The think tank will work with satellite data to support industries like agriculture and logistics.

2. Structure and Funding

• The SST Think Tank is a private initiative.
• It operates through a partnership between public and private companies.
• It has a global think tank council with members from North America, Europe, Middle East, Australia, Japan, and India.
• These council members bring global expertise to Asia.

3. Strategic Location: Singapore

• Singapore was chosen as the headquarters due to its existing space ecosystem.
• Singapore has 2000 professionals across 70 different space companies.
• Singapore offers a neutral ground, excellent infrastructure, strong financial capital, and a strong talent pipeline.
• Singapore serves as a launchpad for widespread space tech adoption in Asia, connecting Asia to the global space economy.

4. Expertise and Experience

• Dr. Kartik Sheth, former NASA scientist and chairman of the SST Think Tank Council, brings his experience from NASA programs focused on improving lives through space.
• His experience includes organizing, managing, and launching missions.
• He aims to democratize space, making it accessible to various sectors like agriculture, forestry, and disaster relief.

5. Relevance of Satellites

• Satellites are crucial for space exploration and monitoring.
• Satellites vary in size and have components like solar panels and telescopes.
• They allow monitoring of water, agriculture, shipping, logistics, and communications across the globe.

6. Economic Impact and Benefiting Industries

• The SST Think Tank views space as the "Internet of technology."
• Space provides a bird's-eye view of Earth and has applications across multiple industries.
• Industries that stand to benefit include agriculture, maritime logistics, disaster relief, financial services, and insurance.
• The think tank aims to educate and facilitate the use of space technology to support innovation and business transformation.

7. Self-Reliance through Space Technology

• The think tank aims to use space as a catalyst for good, enabling self-reliance in the region.
• Existing space data can add $600 billion of additional value to the GDP.
• This includes improving agricultural yield, planning urban growth, and responding to disasters.
• The goal is to develop solutions within Asia using existing space data.

8. Long-Term Potential of Space Technologies

• Space technology will become an integral part of everyday life, similar to the Internet.
• Space technology has already contributed to various products, such as athletic shoes and mattresses.
• Future possibilities include new metamaterials, biopharmaceutical drugs, and fiber optic cables manufactured in space for faster communication.
• Space technology can also enable the prepositioning of rescue and safety vehicles before disasters.
• Combining space technology with artificial intelligence will accelerate data processing and benefit various sectors.

9. Notable Quotes

• Dr. Kartik Sheth: "Space is now accessible, not just governments and not the sole purview of big companies, but something that somebody in agriculture, somebody in forestry, somebody in disaster relief with is able to now access space and space data."
• Dr. Kartik Sheth: "Space as a catalyst for good."
• Dr. Kartik Sheth: "Imagine now that we can get to space more easily what we can do. It promises things like new metamaterials new biopharmaceutical drugs."

10. Synthesis/Conclusion

The launch of the SST Think Tank in Singapore marks a significant step towards commercializing space technology in Asia. By leveraging existing space data and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, the think tank aims to unlock substantial economic value and drive innovation across various industries. The focus on self-reliance and the democratization of space positions the region to address its unique challenges and capitalize on the limitless possibilities offered by space technologies.