Will Malta Be Sending Someone Into Space Soon? πŸš€

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The Malta Council for Science & Technology is hosting two information sessions about the Space Research Fund 2021 Call. So, is this a sign that Malta will be sending someone into orbit?

Satellite Observation

For now, it would appear that this isn’t the case. The research fund will provide “financial support for research, development and innovation in the downstream Satellite Earth Observation (EO) sector”, as explained on the council’s website.

In summary, we’ll be able to see how space infrastructure can help tackle societal challenges that we encounter in our daily lives, through the use of Earth Observation satellites.

Why do we need this?

So far, space is an area of untapped possibility for the Maltese economy. Malta only got its first National Space Policy in 2017. Giving it more prominence will enable Malta to be in a better position to access European Union funds and markets on satellite data and the eventual provision of new products and services.

Simply put, this level of research will shape a relatively new economic activity that is complementary to Malta’s efforts in modernising the industry by transforming it into a knowledge-based one.

Knowledge Is Power Gif - fasrlite

If Malta’s serious about the latter, which it is, then satellites need to be tailor-made to Malta’s needs. Better access to larger troves of data means that better-informed decisions can be taken for the benefit of the island.

Could space be Malta’s next economic frontier to tap into?

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