TED: 6 space technologies we can use to improve life on Earth | Danielle Wood

The speaker shares their journey from choosing a career in aerospace engineering to realizing the global impact of space technology. They discuss the Outer Space Treaty and the role of space services in supporting sustainable development goals. The video highlights the importance of microgravity research, technology transfer, and space as a source of inspiration and education. The speaker emphasizes the need to overcome barriers to make space accessible for all, aligning with the mission of their research group, Space Enabled.

What inspired the speaker to choose a career in aerospace engineering?

• A family tradition in engineering

• A space shuttle launch at NASA

• A documentary about space

• A school project on space

What was the speaker's initial concern about their aerospace engineering studies?

• It required too much travel

• It was not a well-paying career

• It wasn't useful for helping communities like those in Kenya

• It was too difficult

What is the main purpose of the Outer Space Treaty?

• To ensure space exploration benefits all people

• To limit space exploration to developed countries

• To restrict the number of satellites in orbit

• To promote military use of space

How do communication satellites assist during disasters?

• By evacuating people

• By delivering food supplies

• By providing internet and phone access

• By predicting weather patterns

What can positioning satellites help scientists track?

• Endangered wildlife

• Ocean currents

• Air pollution

• Deforestation

What is a key benefit of Earth observation satellites?

• They improve satellite TV quality

• They are used for space tourism

• They help monitor environmental changes

• They provide entertainment

What is microgravity, as experienced on the International Space Station?

• An increase in gravitational force

• A simulation of Earth's gravity

• A condition of free fall around Earth

• A complete absence of gravity

How has space technology contributed to water filtration on Earth?

• By creating new chemical compounds

• By developing filtration systems for spacecraft

• By using solar power for filtration

• By desalinating ocean water

What motivates the speaker's work at MIT's Media Lab?

• Training astronauts

• Developing new space missions

• Making space technology accessible to all

• Building new spacecraft

What is the goal of the Space Enabled research group?

• To build the largest satellite

• To create a new space treaty

• To make space technology beneficial for everyone

• To explore new planets