What Goes Up: Exploring the Creation of Satellites

Satellites have become an integral part of our daily lives, allowing us to access information and entertainment from around the world. However, the process of creating and launching satellites is far more complex than most people realize. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of satellite communications through an interview with Dr. Mark Harwood, a satellite specialist with over 30 years of experience in the telecommunications industry.

Early Conflicts in Faith

Dr. Harwood's journey as a Christian began at the age of 11, during an Australian crusade by evangelist Billy Graham. While grateful for his Christian upbringing, he admits that his denomination did not emphasize the authority of God's Word, particularly regarding the historical account of Genesis. This lack of emphasis led him to have a loose understanding of Genesis and the conflicts it seemed to present with scientific theories.

During his university years, Dr. Harwood encountered further conflicts between his faith and scientific theories. He chose to avoid the issue rather than confront it directly. However, as he was finishing his doctoral thesis, he read a book by an evangelist who presented a literal understanding of Genesis. This challenged Dr. Harwood to reevaluate his beliefs and ultimately led him to embrace a literal interpretation of Genesis as being consistent with observable evidence.

The Significance of Genesis

Understanding the "big picture" from Genesis had a profound impact on Dr. Harwood's faith. It provided him with answers to questions that had troubled him in the past, such as the existence of death and suffering in the world. He realized that a loving God had created everything perfect in six literal days but that corruption entered the world through mankind's disobedience.

This understanding also shed light on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and why He had to die for humanity's sins. Dr. Harwood recognized that death could not exist before sin, and Jesus' death paid the penalty for sin. This newfound understanding deepened his appreciation for God's love and power.

Recognizing the Design in Creation

As a designer of complex satellite systems, Dr. Harwood stands in awe of the creation around him. The laws of nature exhibit a remarkable consistency and uniformity that points to an intelligent Creator. He sees evidence for originally created kinds containing vast amounts of design information in their genes. The variety of species we see today is a result of a reduction in genetic information rather than an increase, as required by the theory of evolution.

Dr. Harwood likens the complexity of living organisms to that of communications satellites. Just as no one would believe that a satellite could end up in orbit by accident, he argues that the incredible complexity of living organisms speaks to an intelligent designer.

Warranties for Spacecraft

Dr. Harwood explains that spacecraft, including satellites, are designed with redundant components to account for potential failures. In the harsh environment of space, electronic components can be damaged by high-energy particles and gamma rays, while solid materials can wear down due to the vacuum. These challenges necessitate careful design and redundancy to ensure the longevity and reliability of spacecraft.

The need for redundant components in spacecraft design aligns with the laws of thermodynamics, which describe things running down over time. Dr. Harwood points out that this design consideration highlights another aspect of God's wisdom and provision in creating Earth's protective atmosphere.

A Creationist Doing "Real Science"

Despite being a high-profile executive and design engineer, Dr. Harwood has found no conflict between his beliefs as a creationist and his scientific understanding of the world. He has engaged in discussions with colleagues on science and the Bible and has been able to answer their questions logically.

Dr. Harwood actively supports Creation Ministries International (CMI) by leading a support group in Sydney and giving talks on their behalf. He finds great joy in witnessing the impact of CMI's ministry on strengthening the church's belief in the truth of God's Word from cover to cover.

Why This Matters

Understanding the compatibility of science and faith is crucial for Christians navigating a world where scientific theories often contradict biblical teachings. Dr. Harwood's story highlights the importance of seeking answers and finding harmony between science and Scripture. By embracing a literal interpretation of Genesis, believers can find a solid foundation for their faith and address challenging questions about the nature of the world.

Think About It

Consider how your understanding of Genesis impacts your perspective on science and faith. Are there areas where you have encountered conflicts or unanswered questions? Take time to explore these topics further and seek answers that align with both your faith and scientific understanding. Embracing a literal interpretation of Genesis can provide a firm foundation for your beliefs and deepen your appreciation for God's creation.