TV BRICS writes that countries in the Global South are looking beyond the planet. The BRICS countries have developed a special view of space endeavours – a pragmatic, cooperative, and shared extraterrestrial future.
On April 12, 1961, Yury Gagarin became the first human to orbit Earth, marking a historic milestone that launched the era of space exploration. This achievement, followed 1963 by Valentina Tereshkova as the first woman in space, cemented Russia’s role as a trailblazer in cosmonautics. These iconic figures remain cultural cornerstones for global space exploration.
Global Pioneers in Space
India: In 1984, Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian in space aboard a Soviet mission. Today, India independently launches satellites, pursues Martian missions, and develops its manned program. In 2024, the nation celebrated its inaugural National Space Day, a testament to its technological and cultural pride.
China: Yang Liwei’s 2003 orbit marked China’s entry into human spaceflight. With its orbital station and Wang Yaping as its first female astronaut, China’s long-term planning and domestic innovation drive its space ambitions.
United Arab Emirates: In 2019, Hazzaa Al Mansoori became the first Arab astronaut, spending eight days on the ISS. The UAE’s 2021 “Hope” mission to Mars further showcases its growing scientific contributions.
Brazil: Marcos Pontes flew on a Russian Soyuz in 2006, laying the foundation for Brazil’s space program. The country now focuses on satellite technology and environmental monitoring.
South Africa: Through its national space agency, SANSA, South Africa advances satellite development and Earth observation. Engineer Timothy Nash represents the nation’s emerging space talent.
Egypt: The Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA) is building regional space infrastructure to strengthen its presence in the industry.
Ethiopia: Since establishing its Space Science and Technology Institute in 2016, Ethiopia launched its first satellite in 2019. For Ethiopia and other Global South nations, space serves practical needs like agriculture, water management, and climate monitoring.
A shared extraterrestrial future and AI
As technology evolves, humans’ role in space is being redefined. Russian IT entrepreneur Ruslan Akhtiyamov highlights AI’s critical role:
”Mars rovers themselves decide where to go. Telescopes analyse mountains of images. Without AI, scientists would simply drown in data,” he told TV BRICS.
He notes active AI integration in BRICS nations, from Russia’s lunar program to China’s orbital station and India’s Martian missions. While AI will become an essential “crew member,” humans will retain control in critical decisions.
Building a Space Economy
In Iran, Vahid Yazdanian, head of the Space Research Institute, emphasises the need for investment and global collaboration. Speaking to Mehr News Agency, he said:
”Our employees work with dedication. We must create better conditions for them, develop infrastructure, standards and interaction with the private sector” .
Iran aims to create a sustainable space ecosystem focused on technology and human resources.
From Gagarin’s historic flight to modern AI-driven missions, space exploration unites nations in a shared pursuit of knowledge, innovation, and progress. As countries like India, China, and Ethiopia expand their presence, international cooperation and technology will shape a shared extraterrestrial future.
Sources and related
- TV BRICS: Space Day 2025: How BRICS countries build extraterrestrial future
- Mehr News Agency
- NewsVoice: Iran to Launch 6 Satellites 2025
- NewsVoice: Scientists in The United Arab Emirates Develop Artificial Lunar Soil for Space Exploration
- NewsVoice: Ethiopia to Launch Third Earth Observation Satellite in Partnership with China
- NewsVoice: China Could be First with Manned Bases on Both the Moon and Mars
- China Daily: China plans to retrieve Martian samples around 2031: laboratory
- #Shared Extraterrestrial Future
