Hadfield, known for his inspiring photos and videos from space, explained that although Slovakia is a small country with a population of around 5 million, it has significant opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the space industry.
According to Hadfield, rapid technological advancements and increasingly accessible space present opportunities for small countries to contribute substantially without needing a large budget or their own rocket launch facilities.
One key to success, according to Hadfield, is leveraging the existing expertise and resources within the country. He reminded that Canada, when it first got involved in the space industry, was also a country with a small population.
However, Canada successfully entered the world of space through smart strategies. Lacking a large national space agency and rocket launch facilities, Canada focused on specialization in specific fields, such as ionospheric research and telecommunications, which became their ticket to engaging in global space programs.
Hadfield recounted how Canada began its space journey by launching the Alouette 1 satellite in 1962, a collaboration with the United States.
With this approach, Canada did not need to build its own rockets but could still gain essential technology through international collaboration. This is a strategy that Slovakia could adopt in building its position in the space industry.
“Today, technology has advanced rapidly. Electronic components are getting smaller, software is becoming more sophisticated, and artificial intelligence is evolving,” Hadfield said.
He cited the example of CubeSats, small satellites measuring 10x10x10 cm, which are now used by companies like Planet Lab to map Earth in high detail.
With this technology, small countries like Slovakia can participate in space missions without requiring significant investment.
Hadfield also emphasized the importance of focusing on specific areas where Slovakia can become an expert. He suggested that Slovakia should utilize its universities and skilled workforce to develop the necessary technologies for both its own needs and international collaborations.
Hadfield stressed that with this strategy, Slovakia could make valuable contributions to the space sector.
In the interview, Hadfield also discussed the issue of space debris and how new technologies could help address this challenge.
He explained that lasers on Earth could be used to tackle space debris, which poses a serious threat to satellites and space missions. Innovations in this technology could become an attractive specialization area for Slovakia, given the technological advancements and urgent need for practical solutions.
Hadfield expressed his belief that Slovakia could play an essential
role in the global space industry if the country focuses on international collaboation and technological innovation.
He noted that while Slovakia may not have rocket launch facilities, it could contribute through the development of advanced technologies and research.
He also provided examples of how Canada successfully integrated robotics technology, which has now become an integral part of international space programs, as a strategy to overcome resource limitations.
In this context, Hadfield highlighted the importance of international organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in regulating orbital traffic.
He proposed that entities like ICAO could help manage and regulate space traffic, which will become increasingly important as space activities grow.
Finally, Hadfield recommended several science fiction novels to space enthusiasts, recognizing the importance of inspiration in driving interest and innovation in the field.
He believes that science fiction can spark imagination and provide new ideas for research and development in space technology.
In conclusion, Chris Hadfield affirmed that despite being a small country, with the right approach and leveraging existing technology and expertise, Slovakia could become a significant player in the global space industry.
By focusing on specialization, collaborating with other nations, and innovating in technology, Slovakia has the potential to make a substantial impact in the world of space.
