Not so long ago, space technology seemed far removed from everyday life. However, by 2030, innovations born in space will increasingly impact our lives. From protecting power grids from magnetic storms to new sources of clean energy, from cleaning up space debris to returning humans to the moon, progress in the space industry promises concrete benefits for each of us. Below, we look at five key areas where space will become increasingly integrated into our lives in the coming years.
Protection against magnetic storms
Magnetic storms are caused by solar flares and coronal mass ejections that reach the Earth and disturb its magnetosphere. Such geomagnetic storms can cause disruptions in power grids, satellite navigation, and air traffic. To prevent this, satellite early warning systems are deployed in orbit. They monitor the Sun and detect hazardous emissions in advance. For example, the DSCOVR satellite at the Lagrange L1 point has been continuously measuring solar wind parameters and warning of geomagnetic storms since 2015. And this year, a new SWFO-L1 spacecraft is planned to be launched to detect solar storms even faster.
Photo: NASA/SDO
Modern forecasting algorithms also play an important role. By combining satellite data with artificial intelligence, scientists have taught the model to predict where a magnetic storm will hit the Earth about 30 minutes before the event. This half hour allows power grid operators to take measures to avoid accidents. It is estimated that NOAA forecasts help power companies prevent multibillion-dollar losses from the strongest storms. Airlines also benefit from such warnings: during times of increased solar activity, they change routes on polar routes to avoid radio interference and ensure passenger safety.
Ukraine also recognizes the importance of space monitoring. In 2025, it joined the European SSA (Space Situational Awareness) program, in particular, the space weather event tracking segment. This will help protect national power grids and communications from the effects of solar storms.
Reducing CO2 emissions: space-based solar power (SBSP)
In pursuit of clean energy, humanity has turned its attention to space. The concept of space-based solar power (SBSP) is the placement of orbital solar farms that collect sunlight continuously and transmit energy to Earth. In orbit, the Sun shines around the clock, which makes it possible to generate electricity all the time, unlike ground-based panels that depend on the day and weather. The satellite converts the collected energy into a microwave beam and sends it to Earth, where it is received by a large rectifying antenna and converted back into electricity to be fed into the grid.
Diagram of a space power plant: a satellite in orbit (2) collects solar radiation (1) and converts it into radio waves (3). On Earth, a receiving antenna (4) receives the signal and converts it into a current that is distributed to consumers (5). This technology is attracting governments and businesses as a way to decarbonize energy. The European Space Agency has conducted studies that have confirmed that by 2040, SBSP can provide cost-competitive electricity for households and industry, replacing fossil fuels and complementing ground-based renewables. That is, orbital stations can become a stable source of basic electricity, reducing the need for fossil fuel power plants and large batteries.
Although there are still technical challenges – in particular, creating lightweight and durable structures for megawatt-class satellites – progress is already underway. In the UK, the Space Solar project is preparing to launch a prototype SBSP satellite by 2030 by developing ultralight panels and antennas. Reduced launch costs, thanks to the SpaceX Starship and Blue Origin New Glenn rockets, also make the deployment of such orbital farms more realistic.
If a space power plant can transmit gigawatts of power to Earth, it will open the way to deep decarbonization of heavy industry. Industries that require a stable energy supply, such as steel mills, cement, and chemical plants, will be able to be powered around the clock by renewable energy instead of burning fossil fuels. For example, steelmaking furnaces or hydrogen electrolyzers will run on green electricity without interruption. ESA has already launched the SOLARIS program to prepare for the deployment of such orbital stations.
Space debris and orbital cleaning systems
Until recently, near-Earth space resembled the Wild West, with thousands of uncontrolled debris and abandoned satellites posing a threat to operating vehicles. The collision of at least two large objects can cause a domino effect (Kessler syndrome), creating a cloud of small debris that is dangerous for everything in orbit. To ensure the safe operation of future satellite systems, the international community is introducing new rules and technologies for active orbital cleaning – Active Debris Removal (ADR).
The first test missions for debris removal have already taken place. In 2021, the Japanese startup Astroscale launched the ELSA-d demonstrator, which practiced approaching and capturing a mock-up of a faulty satellite using a magnetic mechanism. In Europe, the ClearSpace-1 mission is expected this year – a device with four robotic “legs” is to capture and deorbit a 100-kilogram fragment of the Vega rocket (VESPA adapter). This will be the first ever removal of a real fragment. For this purpose, ESA engineers have developed new computer vision and autonomous guidance systems that allow the “hunter” to approach and capture an uncontrolled rotating object.
Such technologies lay the foundation for an entire orbital service industry – “space cleaners” that will regularly clear key orbits of hazardous debris.
In addition to technical solutions, new agreements are being made. In 2021, the Paris Peace Forum launched the global Net Zero Space initiative, which calls for the sustainability of outer space by 2030. Dozens of states, companies, and organizations (including UNOOSA) supported the declaration with a commitment to avoid the creation of new debris and clean up existing debris. A practical step was, for example, the US decision to reduce the permitted lifetime of low-orbit satellites from 25 to 5 years. This means that operators of a new series of satellites will have to dispose of the vehicles more quickly after completing their mission in order not to litter the orbit.
SpaceX and Blue Origin competition
New space breakthroughs are largely driven by private companies, primarily the American giants SpaceX and Blue Origin. The concentration of enormous capital and ambition in the hands of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos has created a “space competition” similar to the space race of the twentieth century. This time, however, commercial prospects are at stake, and the whole society benefits.
SpaceX is the undisputed leader in private spaceflight: the company has made more than 130 successful rocket launches in 2024 alone, many of them with reused first stages. The reuse of Falcon 9 rockets has reduced the cost of launching cargo into orbit several times, opening the way for hundreds of new projects – from university nanosatellites to massive commercial constellations. Blue Origin lagged a bit behind, focusing on suborbital tourism (New Shepard rocket), but is gradually catching up. In January 2025, Blue Origin made the first orbital launch of its heavy reusable New Glenn rocket, placing a large satellite into orbit. This marked a new stage of competition.
The competition between Musk and Bezos is accelerating space exploration. Having received large private investments, SpaceX has developed the Crew Dragon spacecraft (already carrying astronauts to the ISS) and the super-heavy reusable Starship rocket (in the testing phase). In response, Blue Origin led a consortium to create the Blue Moon lunar lander for the Artemis program. NASA actively uses this rivalry: contracts go to one or the other, encouraging both to reduce prices and introduce innovations.
Consumers are already feeling the impact of this competition, primarily through the boom in satellite services. SpaceX has deployed a global Starlink network of several thousand Internet satellites that provide Internet access in more than 100 countries. As of 2024, the number of Starlink subscribers exceeded 4 million, including residents of remote regions who have gained access to the Internet. In response, Amazon (closely associated with Blue Origin) is developing its Project Kuiper grouping and preparing to launch the first vehicles to compete with Starlink.
Return of a human to the Moon
After more than 50 years, humanity is preparing to return to the Moon. The American Artemis program envisages new astronaut landings as early as 2025-2027, as well as the creation of infrastructure for long-term lunar missions. In particular, it is planned to build a small Gateway orbital station – a transit point for ships between the Earth and the Moon. The first module of this station, HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost), is being developed jointly by NASA, ESA, and JAXA and will become a “home” for astronauts during their stay in lunar orbit. The Gateway will provide communications, power supply, living space for the crew, and refueling for ships on their way to the Moon or further to Mars.
New technologies will be tested on the Moon, which will subsequently improve life on Earth. For example, long-term basing on another celestial body requires:
- Closed life support systems. Complete recycling of water, air, and waste in a lunar base will teach us how to use resources more efficiently in closed ecosystems on Earth (such as underwater or polar stations).
- Telehealth. Doctors on Earth remotely monitor the health of astronauts and consult them via satellite communications. Such approaches are already improving medical care in remote parts of the world.
- New materials and equipment. A new lunar walk suit (AxEMU) has been created for Artemis missions – its protection, power supply and communication technologies will also be used in industry on Earth.
The experience gained on such expeditions will bring innovations to everyday life, from building housing from local materials (3D printing from lunar soil can be used in desert areas) to new methods of generating energy and communication in harsh conditions.
Ukraine has also joined in – in 2020, it became one of the first countries to sign the Artemis Accords, paving the way for Ukraine’s participation in this program.
Space is rapidly ceasing to be something distant and becoming a practical dimension of our lives. By 2030, solar storms will no longer take us by surprise thanks to a network of space “weather forecasters”; clean energy from orbit will begin to flow to the grid; near-Earth space will become safer thanks to debris removal; private initiatives will provide us with better connectivity; and a return to the Moon will bring technologies that will make life more comfortable and sustainable. Space is truly coming to every home.
