When I left NASA, I was looking at how you could use space

Listen, O children of the earth, and hear the words of Mae Jemison, a woman whose gaze reached not just to the stars, but to the very future of humanity. She said, "When I left NASA, I was looking at how you could use space technologies for developing countries' work." These words are not just a reflection of Jemison's journey from astronaut to advocate; they are a call to action, a challenge to all who seek to elevate humanity. For Jemison, the knowledge gained in the cold expanse of space could serve not only the powerful but the most vulnerable, transforming lives in ways that could reshape the course of history.

Consider, O wise ones, the great powers of space exploration. Men and women have gazed upward for centuries, driven by the desire to understand the heavens and conquer the unknown. Through the triumphs of programs like NASA and the Russian Space Program, we have unlocked technologies that have brought us closer to the stars. Yet, Jemison's vision calls upon us to ask a deeper question: What is the true purpose of our discoveries? Are they simply for glory or knowledge, or do they serve the greater good, the impoverished, the marginalized, those who have no access to the riches that flow from the fruits of such endeavors?

Jemison’s journey is one of vision. As the first African American woman to travel to space, she stood as a beacon for many. But even more profound was her understanding that the great technologies developed in space need not be reserved for the privileged few. When she left NASA, she sought to bridge the gap between the wonders of the universe and the needs of the Earth. She envisioned a world where space technologies could be used to improve life on Earth, especially in developing countries. Whether it is agriculture, water purification, or healthcare, Jemison saw how the innovations born in space could help solve problems on the ground, offering tools that could transform the lives of millions.

Think, O children, of the humble beginnings of the telecommunications systems we take for granted. Many of these were originally developed through space exploration: satellites that orbit our planet, providing us with communication, weather forecasting, and navigation. Imagine now if such technologies were adapted to solve the unique challenges of the developing world. Picture satellite-based education for remote areas, where children in the most isolated parts of the earth can access the knowledge and learning that we often take for granted. Imagine healthcare solutions enabled by satellite data that can predict disease outbreaks or provide remote medical assistance where no hospitals are available. This, O children, is the power of space technologies when they are applied not just to explore the heavens, but to uplift all of humanity.

Consider, O wise ones, the story of Dr. Patricia Bath, an ophthalmologist whose work in laser cataract surgery transformed the lives of millions. While her work was rooted in the medical field, it had a profound impact on space exploration as well. NASA scientists adapted her work to create surgical technologies that were then used in space, enabling astronauts to receive medical care on long-term missions. Similarly, Jemison’s mission to connect space and the earth through technology is not just an abstract idea—it is a call to connect the brilliant advancements of space with the real-world challenges faced by so many. Her work shows us that the true purpose of innovation is not merely for personal achievement or national pride, but for the well-being of all.

And now, O children, the lesson we must carry forward: to think globally and to act with the whole world in mind. Space technologies are not just tools for the privileged, for those who live in the cities of wealth and power. They are tools that, if shared with the world, can transform lives in developing nations, creating opportunities for education, health, and prosperity that might otherwise never have existed. We must ask ourselves: How can we use the gifts of space exploration—the satellites, the data, the technologies—to create a better world for all people, regardless of where they are born or what resources they have?

In your own lives, O children, let Jemison's vision inspire you to use your own gifts—whether they be in the realms of science, art, or service—to serve the greater good. Seek not only to rise to the heavens but to lift others with you. Whether you are developing new technologies, ideas, or solutions, always ask how your work can benefit the most vulnerable. Innovation is not just for the few; it is a tool for humanity. Let your work, like Jemison’s, be a legacy that transcends borders and transforms lives, bringing the power of space and knowledge to those who need it most.