Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
BK: For as long as I can remember, I've always been interested in astronomy. I watched the Apollo 11 moon landing, although I was about a year old at the time and don't remember it.
Space is one of the key areas of global economic growth. The figures are staggering. It is estimated that by 2035, the "space economy" will be worth approximately $2 trillion, an increase of $600–700 billion from today. Beyond its economic impact, space has always been a sphere that unites people.
The International Space Station is one of the places where we cooperate, because we want to. But also because we have to; after all, space isn't the property of any one country.
This is an area that can expand, that offers literally limitless possibilities, but it also obliges us to collaborate.
UN News Service: The idea of cooperation is very important. Is this one of the reasons you want to work with the UN?
BK: In my view, some endeavors require a global perspective. Space is certainly one of them.
It's pointless to talk about planetary defense, lunar exploration, asteroid mining, or expanding into the solar system at the level of individual countries. Nothing will come of it.
There are areas where we are forced to cooperate on a global level. And I think this is a good thing, because it forces us to address complex issues related to diplomacy and technical negotiations.
Some may see this as a problem, but I think a huge advantage of space is that we are forced to think as one world.
© NASA
UN News: What do you think you can personally change in your new role?
BK: It is imperative that we expand our work, economy and ambitions in space.
My specialty, besides being something of an amateur enthusiast, is trying to tell and explain to as wide an audience as possible why space is so important and beautiful.
And, by the way, this audience is not only the public, but also political leaders, industrial leaders who may not realize the potential of space.
Science is one of the foundations of our civilization, and if people aren't taught its benefits, they won't be able to participate in its strengthening and development. If there's a lack of understanding, optimal decisions won't be made.
If this all sounds a bit dry, we are also asking fundamental questions, such as, are we alone in the universe?
UN News: I think this is the question you get asked most often.
BK: That's a great question. I think we all ask ourselves that question. The answer is: we don't know.
Let's put it more scientifically: How far beyond Earth would we need to go to detect life?
We don't know the answer to this question at this time, but we are trying to answer it.
UN News: Are there any misconceptions about space that you would like to dispel?
BK: Of course, there are misconceptions about space, which I think stem simply from a lack of information. The main misconception is that space exploration is a luxury, and that the industrialization of near-Earth orbit and the exploration of the Moon and asteroids should be left for the future.
I often hear that we should solve our problems here on Earth first before worrying about space.
The truth is that space already plays a vital role in solving the problems we face on Earth.
An obvious example is understanding how our climate is changing.
Satellite data on the atmosphere, ocean temperatures, and other factors are critical to our understanding of climate change and to addressing the challenges we face today, challenges we created in the pre-space era.
© NASA
Global positioning, satellite navigation GPS, is crucial not only for determining your location using a phone, but also for air traffic control, supply chain management, optimizing the delivery of goods and materials across the planet, and so on.
There are numerous examples of how space is already having a positive impact on Earth, and more such examples will continue to emerge in the future.
UN News Service: How do you plan to advocate for the peaceful and inclusive use of outer space, and especially for the participation of developing countries?
BK: I hope that I can contribute to the democratization of space and advocate for its development to be carried out by more than just the big players.
The arguments for all countries having a say in the space economy are similar to the arguments for countries having a say in the economy that exists on the surface of the Earth and in the oceans.
In certain areas, we must act as one planet. Space is one of the best examples, but we could also add climate change, pandemic response, or managing artificial intelligence.
These phenomena do not recognize international borders, which is why organizations like the United Nations are needed.
Space is perhaps the most obvious example of an economic sector that does not recognize national borders, because there are none there.
UN News: How do you think developing countries can become more involved in the space economy?
BK: I think we're currently in a transformative phase when it comes to expanding beyond Earth, industrialization, and the use of space. This means that the rules that everyone will need to agree to are already being developed.
How do we manage space traffic? How do we ensure equal access [to space]? If we start building bases on the Moon, how do we manage them? How do we manage this the same way we manage access to Antarctica, for example?
Obviously, these are global issues. They concern everyone, every country.
All countries must join forces to develop a structure that will allow us to become a multi-planet civilization.
I would like us to become an interstellar civilization, but I will not live to see it.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.