What does it take to explore the cosmos? The resources, technology and international collaboration required to launch space missions are awesome. And so too is the space sector's promise to tackle some of Earth's greatest challenges.
Health-care applications of space technologies range from implantable heart monitors to cancer therapy. The space industry has long been a catalyst for earthly scientific and technological advancements, particularly within the health-care field.
Dr. Farhan Asrar, associate dean, clinical faculty relations at TMU's School of Medicine, has dedicated his research to exploring the immense potential of the space sector. In a recent editorial review, he examined how space technology can help tackle global environmental challenges, promote sustainable policies and strengthen climate resilience.
"The research delves into three areas of further enhancement to tackle air quality and air pollution: monitoring, mitigation and prevention of infectious disease outbreaks; and addressing climate change related natural disasters and extreme weather," says Dr. Asrar, a practicing family and public health physician who is also a global faculty member at the International Space University based in Strasbourg, France.
"The World Health Organization (WHO) states climate change is the single biggest health threat facing humanity. Health professionals have long campaigned to recognize the connections between climate change and health." Dr. Farhan Asrar, associate dean, clinical faculty relations, TMU School of Medicine
The article in The Journal of Climate Change and Health (Vol. 21, Jan-Feb 2025), explores how space-based technologies can help address global health risks associated with climate change.
The review was co-authored with Helena Chapman, associate program manager for health and air quality Applications in the earth action program of the NASA Earth Science Division. It offers insights on the critical role of space-based technologies, space data and spatial data applications (like satellite monitoring, planetary observations, remote sensing data and data analytics) to improve environmental monitoring and tracking capabilities.
They explain how space agencies can better leverage satellite imagery to monitor and respond to climate-driven disasters and enhance emergency preparedness and recovery. This includes improved satellite data integration with health surveillance to support the development of predictive models for disease outbreaks, improving public health response and infectious disease control.
Dr. Farhan Asrar received the Regional Family Physician of the Year Award from the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) in 2023 and the Civic Award of Recognition from the City of Mississauga in 2024 for his service to the community.
The space sector as a model for global diplomacy
The space industry has long demonstrated how international collaboration can transcend geopolitical tensions, enabling joint space missions and scientific advancements.
"The space sector has been building and mastering the art of international collaboration and partnership for decades," says Dr. Asrar. "Without it, countries like Canada, the U.K., and others would not have been able to send their astronauts to space."
In another recent article in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (2025), Dr. Asrar and his co-researchers* highlight the space sector's established global networks as a model for cross-sector collaboration. They urge health-care leaders to leverage these connections to address global challenges.
The researchers emphasize the urgent need for stronger collaboration between global health professionals and space agencies to strengthen networks for collecting, analyzing and sharing satellite-derived environmental data. This is essential to co-ordinate responses to climate-related crises, and developing climate-resilient health systems.
They also underscore the role of health professionals in shaping and implementing national action plans to address environmental threats to public health.
Dr. Asrar's research provides a timely examination of how the space sector can benefit Earth-based health, public health and the environment at a time when it is needed most.
Like the universe itself, he sees space-exploration's terrestrial potential as infinite.
An internationally known researcher, particularly in the fields of public health, space medicine and health, primary care, the environment and climate change, Dr. Farhan has collaborated with leaders and experts from around the world such as from the United Nations, NASA, European Space Agency, Canadian Space Agency, Public Health Agency of Canada, and several international universities.
*Co-researchers include the Head of the United Nations Officer for Outer Space Affairs and experts from NASA and the Brazilian Space Agency.
