From: mk_thisisit
Space technology plays a crucial role in ensuring national security, both in peacetime and wartime. Companies like i.e. are at the forefront of this, operating the world’s largest commercial microsatellite network [00:00:07].
Key Applications and Capabilities
Modern microsatellites, particularly those equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR), are becoming indispensable for national security [00:03:47]. These applications, related to security, are a leading focus for companies in the space industry [00:04:09].
Intelligence Gathering and Monitoring
SAR satellites allow for imaging regardless of time of day or atmospheric conditions (clouds, snow, rain, storms, volcanic ash are invisible to radar) [00:16:26], [00:16:40], [00:16:51]. This capability is vital for continuous observation of events such as military movements or floods, which often occur during adverse weather or at night [00:17:30], [00:17:42].
For instance, i.e.’s constellation has been actively used for two years to assist the Ukrainian army [00:05:04]. The company’s satellites were employed to analyze the positions of Russian troops near the Ukrainian border even before the invasion, helping to predict whether an attack would occur [00:31:25], [00:31:51]. This intelligence contributed significantly to understanding when the invasion would take place [00:32:09].
”Illuminate and Expose” Strategy
The experiences from the conflict in Ukraine led to the American army’s “illuminate and expose” strategy [00:32:26]. This strategy involves publicly collecting and distributing information about an enemy’s attack plans to remove the element of surprise, potentially causing the enemy to retreat [00:32:39], [00:33:05].
Cooperation with Government Agencies
The United States Department of Defense is one of the largest clients for i.e.’s constellation, utilizing it for observing situations in Ukraine and globally [00:33:51], [00:34:01]. This is notable as the U.S. Department of Defense rarely uses non-American technologies for intelligence gathering, but i.e. is an exception due to its superior capabilities in providing frequent and high-quality photos from the world’s largest constellation [00:34:03], [00:34:11], [00:34:18].
Future Developments
Beyond radar imaging, the future direction of space technology in national security includes expanding to other types of intelligence, such as:
- Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) or Electronic Intelligence (ELINT): Satellites “listen” for radio emissions to locate signal emitters [00:35:15].
- Optical data: Visual imaging [00:35:32].
- Thermal data: Measuring heat produced by objects [00:35:35].
The overarching goal is the democratization of data about the world, enabling governments, companies, and civilians to access information about planetary events [00:35:44], [00:35:51].
Civil Security
Beyond military applications, space technology provides crucial civil security, as demonstrated by responses to natural disasters. During a flood in Lower Silesia, i.e.’s satellites were programmed to observe the flood wave across the entire region [00:30:15]. Radar images were vital because the area was covered by clouds and rain, making optical photos useless [00:17:50].
Space-based systems are necessary for phenomena too large to be observed locally [00:30:36], [00:30:46]. Such capabilities save property and lives by enabling more efficient distribution of aid and directing response units [00:58:06]. For example, i.e.’s analysis of changes in terrain height around a volcano in Iceland allowed for a prediction of its eruption, leading to a timely evacuation of residents whose homes were later destroyed [02:59:20], [03:03:06].
Poland’s Position
Poland has an “incredible chance” to become a leader in the space race, but it is currently not fully capitalizing on this opportunity [00:51:52], [00:52:00]. Key steps for Poland to enhance its role in space technology for national security include:
- Increased Funding: Comparing Poland’s space expenditures to those of similar countries is crucial [00:52:21], [00:52:42].
- Strategic Investment: Many countries, including Japan and India, have made strategic decisions to invest heavily in the space industry [00:53:05], [00:53:09], [00:53:17]. Poland needs to add space to its national development strategy and increase spending [01:00:05].
- Diversification: Focusing solely on one technology, such as artificial intelligence, is a mistake [00:54:16], [00:54:22]. Investing in several uncorrelated sectors, including space technologies, AI, and new drug development, is essential for creating additional value and transferring science into production [00:54:37], [00:55:16], [00:55:27].
- Talent Capture: While a robust talent capture system is important, increased co-financing and support for startups are the most immediate and impactful changes Poland can make to attract and retain talent [00:59:39], [00:59:44].
Space will be an integral part of future military operations in both peacetime and wartime, with peacetime applications potentially even more critical for reconnaissance without violating airspace [00:57:38], [00:57:50]. Therefore, investing in space units is as important as ground units for national security [00:57:29].
Societal Readiness for Technology
A significant concern in technological development is whether societies are prepared for the appropriate use of new solutions [01:00:29]. Technologies like satellites and artificial intelligence have both beneficial and detrimental applications [01:00:51]. The speed of technological advancement is accelerating, and new capabilities can fundamentally change global perceptions [01:01:38]. Societies and democratic systems must learn to keep pace with these advancements, particularly in legal structures, to avoid self-harm rather than benefit [01:01:16], [01:01:27], [01:02:01].