Do you have to be an Astronaut to go to space

Picture of Thato Brander in a Nasa Branded Jacket — Written By: Thato Brander, September 2020

I have recently started working with Innovatum Start-up. Watch this space, literally. Those of you that know me closely know that I have a strong interest in space tech, or maybe just going to space, but I never really wanted to be an astronaut. And gladly I don't need to be one. Let me share some nuggets.

Space-tech is not just about rockets launching into space

Space-tech involves both upstream and downstream companies. Great, but what does that mean? Downstream companies develop applications, services and products adapted from space technology, which were originally made for use in space or utilize data from space. Upstream companies develop solutions for space, yip these are the well-known companies literally aiming for the moon. But there is a lot happening down here on earth.

Many Start-ups use space-tech right here on earth

Space-tech is more than just going to space? Have you ever thought of how space technology can be used on earth? In my case never, even though I have occasionally used electric scooters to zip around Gothenburg. So, what do electric scooters have to do with space? Electric scooters use geo-satellites for their mapping and location functionality. It doesn't end there, clothing company OROS sells thermal clothing that uses a gel initially developed for insulating space shuttles, to improve the warmth in their clothing. I don't know about you, but I this African boy could sure use some of this clothing for the cold Swedish winter.

Call it space-mimicry

If you're familiar with the term bio-mimicry, which means using nature as inspiration to develop solutions for problems we have in our daily lives. This has me wondering how many more innovative solutions that are developed for space can be used to create more conducive conditions on earth or to just make our lives much easier, call it space-mimicry. Well, that's my learning so far. If you are a company looking for some tech inspiration, all you need to do is look up space-tech or check out the Innovatum Start-up page.