The Promise Of Space-Based Technology
Beyond the view, Peake is just as excited about what space can do for us back on Earth. Advances in manufacturing, communications, and energy are all being accelerated by what’s happening in orbit.
One of the most compelling developments he pointed to is space-based manufacturing. In the absence of gravity, new kinds of structures can be created with unprecedented purity and precision.
“For example, we can grow very large protein crystals in space that you can’t grow on Earth,” he said. “That can help pharmaceutical companies create better drugs with fewer side effects and lower dosages. Or if you’re trying to print out a human heart, doing that on Earth needs some sort of scaffolding. In space, gravity is not distorting the cellular structure.”
He also believes that space-based solar power is not just science fiction. It could soon become a meaningful contributor to our global energy mix.
“If we can make two-kilometer square solar arrays that beam energy back to Earth using microwaves, we can reduce the pressure on our grid and use space to help solve the energy crisis,” Peake explained.
The falling cost of getting into orbit is a key enabler. As heavy-lift launch costs continue to drop, opportunities that once sounded fantastical, like factories in space or orbital data centers, suddenly look commercially viable.
AI, Space Missions, And Human Judgment
Naturally, we also discussed artificial intelligence. Peake believes that AI has a crucial role to play in helping humanity manage the deluge of data coming from satellites, sensors, and scientific instruments.
“AI can analyze vast amounts of data and make good assumptions from it,” he said. “If a government is introducing a carbon emission policy in a city, AI can help measure the impact, evaluate the policy, and improve it based on outcomes.”
But Peake also emphasized the continued need for human oversight. When it comes to critical decisions, especially in high-stakes environments like space missions or healthcare, humans must remain in the loop.
“If you’re screening for breast cancer, for example, AI can assist doctors. But you still want the diagnosis coming from a person,” he said. “As humans, we like that reassurance. We want someone to put their intelligence on top of the AI’s assessment.”
In other words, AI is not a replacement for human decision-making but a powerful augmentor, especially in environments where timely action matters.
Why The Future Needs STEM… And STEAM
Throughout our conversation, one theme kept coming up: the importance of inspiring the next generation, especially around STEM. For Peake, this is not a side mission; it’s central to why he does what he does.
“I try to encourage kids to get involved in STEM, even if they don’t see themselves taking it to higher education,” he said. “The more you know about science and tech today, the more doors it opens for your future.” One initiative doing an outstanding job of sparking that curiosity is the Future Lab at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where Peake serves as an ambassador. Curated by Lucy Johnston, the Future Lab showcases cutting-edge innovations from across the globe, from robotic rescue dogs and deep-sea exploration tools to mind-blowing space tech like the James Webb Space Telescope. “It’s hands-on, inspiring, and brilliantly curated,” Peake said. “You see people of all ages walking around in awe, and that’s exactly the kind of experience that can ignite a lifelong passion for science and technology.”
Having taken my own son to Future Lab, I can say with certainty that it works. There’s something magical about seeing kids light up as they touch, feel, and interact with the technology that’s shaping tomorrow.
The Space Economy Is Already Here
Another eye-opener in our chat was just how much space already affects daily life. “On average, everyone touches about 42 satellites a day,” Peake said. Whether it’s making an online purchase, using navigation, or checking the weather, you’re using space infrastructure.
And that footprint is only growing. Companies are already working on putting data centers in orbit to reduce energy consumption and cooling requirements on Earth. Communications, navigation, Earth observation, and climate monitoring are all becoming more dependent on space-based assets.
But with growth comes risk. Peake is also an ambassador for The Astra Carta, an initiative supported by King Charles aimed at ensuring space is used sustainably. Space debris, orbital traffic, and light pollution are becoming serious issues.
“We need rules of the road for space,” he said. “If we want to keep using it safely, we need to manage how we operate up there.”
Reaching Beyond Earth And Into The Unknown
As we wrapped up our conversation, I asked Tim the big one: Does he believe there’s intelligent life out there?
“I absolutely do,” he said without hesitation. “Statistically, the odds are too strong. When you’re in space, and you see 200 billion stars in our galaxy alone, and then remember there are hundreds of billions of galaxies, it’s hard to believe we’re alone.”
He also believes that space exploration will help answer some of the biggest questions humanity has ever asked about life, existence, and our place in the universe. But even if we don’t find extraterrestrials any time soon, the journey itself has value.
Space inspires. It informs. And, increasingly, it enables.
That, I think, is what makes Peake’s perspective so valuable. He’s lived at the intersection of science, technology, and wonder. And he reminds us that the frontier of space is not just about what lies out there but about what it can help us achieve here on Earth.
