Satellite and food 

More than 800 million people worldwide are experiencing food poverty. Why is it happening? What can be done about it? One answer to both questions is to use technology – but possibly not one you would immediately have thought of. Satellite technology helps us to ‘see’ things that we cannot easily observe from the ground – patterns of migration, weather, crop growth and crop failure, drought and flooding, for example. It can also help us to find our way through GPS. Once we can see more we can plan better – and do more to reduce global hunger. The power of satellites and the impact they can have on our lives is the subject of this audiovisual presentation by engineer and BCW supporter Ned Dwyer.

It was first shown to students in Kenya and Ireland. They were amazed at the potential of satellites in combatting hunger and aiding sustainable development and had lots of questions such as:

Have you ever wondered what keeps satellites in space, how they are powered – and even how many satellites are up there?

Those are just a few of the questions Kenyan students asked after engineer Ned’s presentation for BCW on satellites and their role in alleviating global food poverty. In response Ned has also addressed some of their questions here. So, if you ever wanted to know how many satellites orbit Earth, how they send information back and whether they’re all still working, here’s your chance to find out!