What is Space-Based Solar Power?

Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) is one of the most exciting promises of our near-future. It directly and supremely harnesses the eternal power of the sun by launching satellites with large panels out beyond the Earth's atmosphere and then beaming the full energy of sun rays down to the surface.

It sounds insane, I know. Absolutely crazy. But it's actually a lot closer than most think!

Concept Illustration of Suntower / Public Domain by NASA

The basic premise of the SBSP concept is that the sun shines brighter and with more energy outside Earth's geosynchronous orbit than anywhere within or under the Earth's atmosphere.

The only reason that we have a breathable planet at all is because of immense gases that cling to the surface of the Earth. These gases also dilute the sun's energy in order to prevent active radiation damage like most plant and animal life would encounter in the vast emptiness of space.

When you put solar panels in space, whether on a satellite or on a cosmic body with no atmosphere then you can capture a much stronger and concentrated form of energy at a much higher rate than you can with even the best panels here on Earth.

As we reach towards the future, what is now currently a pipe-dream being researched by national space programs will eventually turn into a massively lucrative investment for the private sector. Coal, oil and natural gas will be forgotten about entirely as we look to the stars to solve many of humanity's biggest problems.

Preventing Maternal Hemorrhage & Shock in the Developing World

One of the biggest problems facing the developing world, and one that faced the entire world for centuries until modern times, is the serious injury and death that can result from complications during pregnancy. According to the World Health Organization, postpartum hemorrhage in developing countries is the single largest cause of maternal morbidity & mortality, accounting for 25% of maternal deaths globally.

These statistics lead to a great need for a solution, or at least some attempt to decrease the chance of serious complications in places where hospital care for a mother is by no means available or guaranteed. This is why the development of the Non-pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (NASG) is so groundbreaking and important.

Courtesy of the World Health Organization

What is the NASG? It's a garment that is wrapped around a new mother's legs and pelvis and applies pressure to decrease the chance of pooling blood, increasing circulation and decreasing bleeding. The technology was developed by NASA in the 1970s, and it essentially mimics the lower half of a wetsuit, which is normally used to keep your body evenly compressed to prevent sicknesses such as the bends.

Not only does this decrease in potential bleeding lead to a decreased chance of hemorrhage, it also leads to a decreased chance of shock, which is where the greatest chance for serious injury or mortality arise. While the garment is a low-cost deployment that is more of a stop-gap than a full solution, it's still a very important part of the puzzle when it comes to preventing a horrendous injury until the mother can get more proper medical attention.

At a price of about 50$ and the ability to use it about 40 times, its cost-effectiveness is undeniable. It's just one way technology is making the world a better place for women.