How do we bridge the digital divide sustainably? | Mike Lindsay | TEDxThessaloniki

Summary

The speaker addresses the digital divide, highlighting the lack of internet access for nearly half the world's population as a barrier to human potential. They introduce the concept of low-Earth orbit satellites as a solution for global connectivity, discussing the challenges and the necessity of sustainable practices to avoid exacerbating space debris. The talk emphasizes the importance of thoughtful design, proactive regulation, and remediation in the pursuit of bridging the digital divide while preserving the space environment.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The script emphasizes the universal human desire for knowledge and the importance of challenging our thinking and exploring new ideas.
• 📚 It acknowledges the 'digital divide', highlighting that nearly half of the world's population lacks the infrastructure to access online education, health services, and commerce easily.
• 🌍 The script discusses the impracticality of using physical fiber to connect every house and school globally due to financial and geographical constraints.
• 🛰️ It introduces the concept of using satellites in low-earth orbit to provide connectivity over vast areas, overcoming the limitations of physical infrastructure.
• 🚀 The speaker mentions the trend of companies launching satellite constellations for global connectivity, with OneWeb being one of the pioneers, followed by SpaceX, Telus, Boeing, and Amazon.
• 📈 The script raises concerns about the rapid increase in satellite launches, which could double the number of satellites in orbit in the next five years compared to the past 60 years.
• 🛑 It calls for responsible questions regarding the risks and long-term impacts of deploying such a large number of satellites in a short time.
• 🚗 The speaker uses an analogy of a football match parking lot to illustrate the vastness of space and the low probability of satellite collisions.
• 💥 The script addresses the potential for catastrophic satellite collisions, which can create debris and contribute to the Kessler Syndrome, a cascade of collisions that could render space unusable.
• 🛠️ It stresses the importance of high reliability in satellite design and operation to minimize the risk of creating space debris.
• 🔧 The speaker discusses proactive measures taken by OneWeb, such as designing satellites to de-orbit after their mission and including grapple fixtures for future retrieval capabilities.
• 🌳 The script concludes by advocating for thoughtful design, proactive regulation, and remediation measures to manage the risks associated with satellite proliferation and to ensure sustainable use of space.

Q & A

What are the two main reasons people are in the room according to the speaker?

The two main reasons are the desire to learn, challenge thinking, and explore new ideas, and the ability to be there, which includes knowing about the event, having the financial means, and having internet access.

What is the term used to describe the lack of infrastructure in rural and remote areas that prevents access to online resources?

The term is 'digital divide'.

Why is the digital divide a problem even for those who have internet access?

The digital divide is a problem for everyone because when humankind is not fully connected, we are not reaching our full potential. It also affects the diversity of ideas and perspectives that can be shared, as certain demographics and potential speakers are missing due to lack of access.

What is the concept of low-Earth orbit and how does it relate to global connectivity?

Low-Earth orbit (LEO) is a region of space where satellites can provide connectivity to over a million square kilometers at a time. It is critical for a global network that can traverse oceans, mountains, and socio-political boundaries.

What is the main challenge in connecting every part of the world through physical fiber?

The main challenge is the financial infeasibility due to the need to run fiber under oceans and through trenches to connect every house and school, especially in rural and remote areas.

How many satellites did the speaker's company, OneWeb, plan to launch to bridge the digital divide?

OneWeb planned to launch 2,000 satellites.

What is the 'Kessler Syndrome' and why is it a concern?

The Kessler Syndrome is a theoretical scenario where the density of objects in low Earth orbit is high enough that collisions between objects could cause a cascade of collisions, generating space debris and making space activities and the safety of spacecraft difficult.

Why are thousands of satellites needed for a constellation to ensure global coverage?

Thousands of satellites are needed because as satellites are brought closer to Earth to reduce signal delay, their coverage area decreases, requiring a larger number of satellites to ensure continuous global coverage.

What principle is the speaker advocating for in terms of satellite operations to minimize environmental impact?

The speaker advocates for the 'Leave No Trace' principle, which means ensuring that each satellite is brought back down to Earth to burn up in the atmosphere after its mission is completed, preventing space debris.

What is the speaker's company doing to prepare for potential satellite failures or uncontrollable situations in space?

The company is working on solutions for environmental remediation, including launching satellites with a grapple fixture for easy capture by robotic arms or other devices, and collaborating with organizations to develop new concepts in space debris removal.

What is the main argument the speaker makes about the balance between the risks of launching satellites and the benefits of bridging the digital divide?

The speaker argues that while there are risks associated with launching satellites, including environmental impact and the potential for space congestion, these risks can be managed and minimized through thoughtful design, proactive regulation, standardization, and remediation measures. The benefits of bridging the digital divide and providing internet access as a human right are significant and justify the necessary risks.