Space exploration, once the domain of governments, has opened up a new horizon for the private sector. It all started with the launch of SpaceX in 2002, whose mission is “to revolutionise space technology, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets.” It was followed by the floating of other billionaire-promoted space-flight companies such as Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, albeit with different missions and visions — far from Mars settlements.

Besides, it is no longer a billionaire space race. There is a mushrooming of start-ups in this sector. In India alone, there are about 250 start-ups — until about a decade ago there was only one. The boom in the space sector couldn’t have come at a better time. It is happening alongside advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning that have the capabilities in storing and analysing vast amounts of data.

Interestingly, not all companies enter the space sector with the goal of exploring outer space, assessing Mars for human habitation, or unravelling the mysteries of the Sun’s core and the universe’s origins. Instead, the majority of these companies focus on using space technology to improve people’s lives and protect the Earth’s resources. In fact, it’s now nearly impossible to envision the internet, mobile communication, or weather forecasting without the essential contributions of space companies and their networks of satellites.

Moreover, by harnessing the growth of the space industry alongside advancements in information technology, we have the potential to develop groundbreaking solutions for our planet. This includes addressing critical challenges such as protecting our natural resources, particularly freshwater ecosystems like rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

Why space to water

Rapid population growth and intensive agriculture have led to the excessive extraction of groundwater and river water, drying up vital water sources. For instance, 21 of the world’s 37 largest aquifers are severely overdrawn (NASA, 2023). Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns are increasing the frequency of droughts, reducing river flows and shrinking lakes, while extreme weather events threaten freshwater supplies. Contamination of water has started happening at a granular level. Microplastics, for instance, have become so rampant that they are detected in a broad range of concentrations in marine water, wastewater, fresh water, food, air and drinking-water, both bottled and tap water.

In light of these alarming challenges, it is crucial to tap into the transformative potential of the space sector in identifying, protecting, and monitoring freshwater resources, offering a vital tool in the fight against water scarcity and contamination. There are several direct space-to-water applications such as:

Water body mapping and monitoring: Satellites provide high-resolution images that allow for precise mapping of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. This data is invaluable for understanding water distribution, identifying potential water sources, and tracking changes over time.

Water quality assessment: Satellites can detect contaminants such as algae blooms, industrial waste, and agricultural run-off by analysing the spectral signatures of water bodies. This helps authorities intervene promptly to address pollution.

Flood and drought monitoring: By tracking precipitation patterns, water levels, and soil moisture, satellite data plays a crucial role in early warning systems for natural disasters like floods and droughts.

Land use and land cover change analysis: Satellites monitor land use changes, such as urbanisation and deforestation, which can affect water quality and availability. This information helps promote sustainable land use practices that protect water resources.

The IoT integration: The integration of space data with IoT offers a revolutionary approach to water management. IoT devices can provide real-time data that complements satellite imagery, creating a more comprehensive picture of water resources. Several use cases stand out:

Real-time water quality monitoring: IoT sensors deployed in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs can track water parameters like pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen levels. Real-time data enables authorities to respond quickly to water quality issues.

Water consumption monitoring: Smart meters equipped with IoT technology can track water usage at household and industrial levels. This helps in identifying inefficiencies and reducing water waste.

Leak detection: IoT sensors in pipelines can detect leaks, preventing water loss and infrastructure damage.

Groundwater monitoring: IoT devices can monitor groundwater levels, ensuring sustainable extraction and preventing depletion.

This data allows governments and local bodies to implement more informed, timely, and efficient water management strategies. For example, by combining satellite data with IoT sensor networks, authorities can get a comprehensive view of water infrastructure.

Down-to-Earth applications

One case example is the Jaltol app that uses satellite data to track rainfall, soil moisture, groundwater storage, and evapotranspiration — key inputs in assessing water availability and addressing shortages.

In Gujarat and Rajasthan, where the app is used, villagers are able to calculate availability of water for drinking, livestock, and agriculture using Jaltol’s data. They prepare “water budgets” at the beginning of each season. If the groundwater level is less, the farmers change irrigation systems or crop patterns.

Making business sense

However, the role of private players in the downstream segment of taking the space data to the users is inevitable. To fully realise the potential of space data in water resource management, a thriving business ecosystem is essential. By fostering a vibrant business ecosystem, we can harness the power of space data to address the pressing challenges of water scarcity and pollution.

The private sector can play a pivotal role by developing innovative solutions and delivering these services to governments and individual customers. Some of the key roles of companies could include: acquisition of satellite data, processing of data using advanced algorithms, and providing value-added services; deploying IoT sensors to collect real-time data on water quality and infrastructure, complementing satellite observations, and create software for data visualisation, analysis, and decision-making, making it easier for governments and organisations to use space data effectively.

Thus, start-ups can act as Data-as-a-Service companies for these user groups benefiting the governments in assisting water resource planning, policy development, and disaster management; helping farmers in the areas of using data to optimise irrigation practices, improve crop yields and conserve water. Their services can also help water utilities use satellite data for leak detection, water loss prevention, and infrastructure management — and non-governmental organisations to use space data apps for monitoring water quality, protecting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable water use, and so on.

The fusion of satellite technology and ICT offers a groundbreaking pathway to safeguard our planet’s freshwater resources. With high-tech start-ups at the helm, we have the potential to transform space data into actionable insights that empower local communities, governments, and organisations worldwide. Together, through innovation and collaboration, we can make the invisible visible, restore our water bodies, and leave a legacy of stewardship for generations to come. But space-to-water solutions are just one facet of what the space sector can offer. Expanding our focus on space technology could unlock breakthroughs for many other pressing challenges beyond water conservation alone.

While the sky may be the limit as far as the space-to-water segment is concerned, it is crucial to swiftly identify funding gaps that may exist hindering the development and implementation of groundbreaking ideas.

The writer is president of strategy at HCL Corporation and Shiv Nadar Foundation

Published on April 1, 2025