Help for developing nations lies in space?

The Colorado Springs-based Space Foundation says outer space may just be what solves the social and economic woes of developing nations.

In a report released last week, the foundation emphasizes the importance science and technology — particularly space technology — will have on many of the challenges facing developing nations.

People in remote areas can be connected by communications satellites, which would assist in connecting those people with medical expertise and in connecting students and teachers with content, to name one example.

Remote sensing satellites can update officials about changes in land use, help them to provide natural disaster relief and in monitoring conflicts, to name another example. Officials would be able to quickly identify where aid is needed most, according to the report.

And in the area of economic growth, investments in space capabilities would spur progress in science and technology, which develops educated citizens and technology-smart governments, states the Space Foundation report.

Many nations are already increasing their investment in space programs, including India, Brazil and Nigeria.

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