Why Nepal must dare to dream of space

The 2015 earthquake in Nepal, which killed nearly 9,000 people, starkly illustrated the nation's vulnerability and reliance on external systems for survival and recovery. During the crisis, satellites and mapping systems from international providers were crucial for understanding damage, planning rescue efforts, and facilitating communication, underscoring Nepal's dependence on orbiting infrastructure.

Beyond disaster response, space technology underpins many essential services, including weather forecasting, telecommunications, agriculture, and internet connectivity. The article argues that when a country relies almost entirely on external systems for monitoring its own resources and environment, it raises critical questions about data ownership, processing, access, and the prioritization of national needs.

Nepal has taken initial steps toward developing its space capabilities, launching its first satellite, NepaliSat-1, in 2019 and securing two orbital slots through the International Telecommunication Union. However, the author stresses that these efforts require a decisive national commitment to be fully realized.

The proposed Nepali space program should not emulate larger nations but focus on tangible public value and address Nepal's specific needs. This involves training students and engineers in satellite data utilization, assisting municipalities with disaster planning through mapping, improving local governments' access to climate and hazard data, and fostering collaboration among universities, government ministries, private companies, and international partners.