Space-based precision farming, it’s a thing
Of course, there will be critics. Every time a developing country reveals significant space ambitions, you can be sure to hear pitchforks clanging together as the mob demands to “feed the people first” or “sort out problems on Earth before spending in space.”
Naturally, this is a false dichotomy and has been disproven many times over. A space industry can benefit developing countries significantly, not just in terms of national pride, but for climate monitoring, education, precision farming and so on. In fact, it has been shown that countries who employ space-based precision farming have shown increases in crop yield as a result of efficiently distributed resources. That old chestnut of feeding people first becomes redundant when you realize that space tech does indeed feed people.
And it doesn’t stop there. According to Senator Benigno Aquino IV, “a Philippine Space Agency, with its consolidated programs and strategies for space science and technology, will pave the way for future Filipino astronomers, space scientists, and astronauts by laying down a strong foundation in space science education and research.”
It seems that a manned space program is part of the roadmap. Presumably, that is a long way off yet, unless they plan to launch the first Pinoy astronaut through Russia, as was the case with the first Malaysian astronaut.
Either way, kudos to Philippines for wanting to join the space club. Space is indeed the gift that keeps on giving. And the moment that PSA begins research into freeze-dried sisig, you can bet that I will be volunteering my services as a taste tester. (They can keep their freeze-dried balut though. I’m fine with eating pig face, but draw the line at semi-formed duck embryos.)
One final thought: if Western space travelers are referred to as astronauts, Chinese are taikonauts, and Indians are vyomanauts, what would you call a Pinoy space traveler?
This article is from a monthly column called Final Frontiers. Click here to see the other articles in this series.
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Copyright: Asian Scientist Magazine; Photo: Philippines Government.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
