Four-Order Framework: Four-Order Impacts of Space Research and Exploration

Abstract

This #NationalSpaceDay (23rd of August 2024), as we celebrate the First Anniversary of ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 Mission’s successful Moon landing at the Shiv Shakti Point, let’s learn about the ‘Four-Order Impacts of Space Research and Exploration’ using the Four-Order Framework, highlighting the multifaceted and far-reaching consequences, influencing not merely technological advancements and economic growth but also societal, civilizational, and other common concerns of humankind.

Visual/Image Description [Alt Text]: On a hex colour background, an infographic depicting Four-Order Framework (heading), Four-Order Impacts of Space Research and Exploration (sub-heading), and “Note: This Is An Illustrative List and Not An Exhaustive One.” In the centre are the graphics with the following contents: First Order Impact [Immediate]: Creates Space Ecosystem and Economy that lead to Work Opportunities, Research and Development (R&D), Learning Environment, National Pride and Soft-Power for Global Branding, etc.; Second Order Impact [Short Term]: Spillover Effect on Ancillary Industries and Complimentary Sectors like Startups, Satellite Services, Software, Communications, etc. and Accidental Positive Externalities like Invention of MRI technology; Third Order Impact [Medium Term]: National and Global Strategic Security due to Informed Decision-making on Agriculture, Healthcare, Education, Climate Action, Trade, Warfare, etc. with use of Geographic Information System (GIS) and other Tech Advancements; and Fourth Order Impact [Long Term]: Advancement in Science and Technology resulting in Improved Quality of Life (QoL), Study of Cosmology, Evolution of Human Civilization, Cultural Shifts, Aspiration, Shastrartha, etc. Below that are the following texts: “Space research and exploration programs are incubators for scientific and technological invention/innovations & development that reflect the civilizational ethos and address the common concerns of humankind. Space exploration is a high-end sector with a long value chain of scientific & technological outcomes having domino & spillover effects and multiple orders of externalities transcending beyond just one space mission.”

Introduction Remark

“Space exploration programs are incubators for scientific and technological invention and development and reflect the civilizational spirit. Space exploration is a high-end sector with a long value chain of scientific and technological outcomes having spillover effects and multiple orders of impact. This is a moment that transcends just one space mission.

India is a developing country and has a lot of basic-level problems. That’s precisely why we need a space program, as the benefits go beyond just military uses and contribute significantly in the fields, including information and communication, geospatial and remote sensing, weather forecasts, climate studies, disaster risk reduction, agriculture and soil, forest and wildlife, etc. to name just a few.”

Contextual Framework

The multi-order impacts of space research and exploration can be categorized into four categories, each representing different time scales and types of externalities, highlighting the multifaceted and far-reaching consequences, influencing not merely technological advancements and economic growth but also societal, civilizational, and other common concerns of humankind.

Catalytic Impacts of the Indian Space Sector:
A. Strategic — Prestige, Sovereignty, Competitiveness, First mover, National Partners, International Partners, New Markets, etc.
B. Technical — Science, Tech Expertise, Spin-In, Spin-Off, etc.
C. Societal — Inspiration, Quality of Life, Outreach, Infrastructure, Sustainability, etc.

Spreading Impacts Across the Indian Society — Science and Innovation (Technology Transfers), Inspiration (Space Science Outreaching Programmes, etc.), Safety (Life Sciences, Early Warning Systems, etc.), Aviation (transportation, energy conservation, etc.), Agriculture and Fishing, and Social Inclusion (communication, tele-medicine, etc.).

[Stakeholders’ Survey and The Socio-Economic Impacts of Indian Space Programmes by ISRO]

Sources and References

1. India’s maiden National Space Day Celebrations by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) [https://www.youtube.com/live/60QgJDgrXFg]

2. Chandrayaan Landing Celebration Post by The Sangyan [https://www.instagram.com/p/CwS0ijbSkiz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==]

3. Benefits Stemming from Space Exploration by International Space Exploration Coordination Group [https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/benefits-stemming-from-space-exploration-2013-tagged.pdf?emrc=ca90d1]

4. “Investments made in space programme have benefited society,” says ISRO Chairman Dr S Somnath [https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/investments-made-in-space-programme-have-benefited-society-says-isro-chairman-dr-s-somnath20240820130853/]

5. Chandrayaan-3 Mission Soft-landing LIVE Telecast [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLA_64yz8Ss]

Visual/Image Description [Alt Text] of Cover Image

On a hex colour background, an infographic depicting Four-Order Framework (heading), Four-Order Impacts of Space Research and Exploration (sub-heading), and “Note: This Is An Illustrative List and Not An Exhaustive One.” In the centre are the graphics with the following contents:

First Order Impact [Immediate]: Creates Space Ecosystem and Economy that lead to Work Opportunities, Research and Development (R&D), Learning Environment, National Pride and Soft-Power for Global Branding, etc.; Second Order Impact [Short Term]: Spillover Effect on Ancillary Industries and Complimentary Sectors like Startups, Satellite Services, Software, Communications, etc. and Accidental Positive Externalities like Invention of MRI technology; Third Order Impact [Medium Term]: National and Global Strategic Security due to Informed Decision-making on Agriculture, Healthcare, Education, Climate Action, Trade, Warfare, etc. with use of Geographic Information System (GIS) and other Tech Advancements; and Fourth Order Impact [Long Term]: Advancement in Science and Technology resulting in Improved Quality of Life (QoL), Study of Cosmology, Evolution of Human Civilization, Cultural Shifts, Aspiration, Shastrartha, etc.

Below that are the following texts: “Space research and exploration programs are incubators for scientific and technological invention/innovations & development that reflect the civilizational ethos and address the common concerns of humankind. Space exploration is a high-end sector with a long value chain of scientific & technological outcomes having domino & spillover effects and multiple orders of externalities transcending beyond just one space mission.”

Authored by

Adv. Abhishek Kumar, Founder and Curator — The Sangyan

Hashtags

#Chandrayaan #Chandrayaan2 #Chandrayaan3 #SpaceResearch #SpaceExploration #SpaceScience #ISRO #NationalSpaceDay #SpaceDay #FourOrderFramework #MultiOrderImpact #MultiplierEffect #SDGs