International Day of Human Space Flight 2025
On April 12, the world celebrates the International Day of Human Space Flight in recognition of the important contribution of space science and technology to the development of mankind. On the same day, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Rocket and Space Industry Workers, which was established by presidential decree in 1997.
Space activities and technologies contribute significantly to many of the 17 SDGs.
- Poverty Eradication (SDG 1) and Hunger (SDG 2):
- Satellite data – remote sensing satellites provide critical information for monitoring agricultural land, forecasting crop yields, tracking droughts and floods, which helps with food security and sustainable land management;
- Geolocation technologies – satellite navigation systems are used to improve agricultural efficiency, optimize food supply logistics, and help deliver humanitarian aid to remote areas
- Health and well-being (SDG 3):
- telemedicine – satellite communications provide access to medical consultations and diagnostics in remote and hard-to-reach areas;
- health monitoring – satellite data can be used to track the spread of diseases, monitor air and water quality, and respond to health emergencies.
- Quality education (SDG 4):
- distance learning – satellite communications provide access to educational resources and online courses in remote areas where terrestrial infrastructure is not available.
- Clean water and sanitation (SDG 6):
- water monitoring – satellites help track freshwater supplies, monitor water quality, and identify sources of pollution;
- water management – satellite data are used to optimize irrigation systems and plan for sustainable water use.
- Affordable and clean energy (SDG 7):
- solar energy development – space technology research helps improve the efficiency of solar panels, which can then be used on Earth;
- energy infrastructure monitoring – satellites can monitor the condition of pipelines and power grids, helping to prevent accidents and leaks.
- Industrialization, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9):
- technology development – space exploration is driving innovation in a variety of fields, including materials science, electronics, and software, which are also finding applications on Earth;
- infrastructure improvement – satellite data are used to plan urban development, monitor the condition of roads and bridges, and manage natural disasters.
- Combating climate change (SDG 13):
- climate monitoring: satellites provide essential data for studying climate change, tracking sea level, temperature, ice cover, forests, and greenhouse gas emissions;
- weather and disaster forecasting – satellite data are used for weather forecasts and early warning of natural disasters, thus reducing their impact.
- Marine Conservation (SDG 14) and Terrestrial Ecosystem Conservation (SDG 15):
- monitoring oceans and forests – satellites help monitor the oceans, detect illegal fishing, control deforestation and assess biodiversity.
- Peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16):
- surveillance and security – satellite technologies can be used to monitor borders, track illegal activities and support peacekeeping operations;
- access to information – satellite communications can provide access to information and communications in remote and conflict regions.
Space Day thus reminds us of the importance of space research and technology, which plays an increasingly significant role in addressing global challenges and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for the benefit of all humankind. Space not only expands our horizons, but also provides the tools to create a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous future on Earth.
Let everything be cosmic!
