India, China and the U.S. battle for supremacy in the new space age
Oct 24, 2024
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Christopher Newman, Professor of Space Law and Policy at Northumbria University, shares his expertise on the thrilling developments in the new space age. He discusses the escalating competition between the U.S., China, and India, highlighting China's rapid advancements. The conversation delves into the intricate dynamics of space governance, including the looming threat of space debris and international accountability. Newman also draws parallels between space law evolution and cyber law, illuminating the legal challenges of expanding space activities. All this, with a sprinkle of lively debates on favorite space films!
The global space economy is poised for significant growth, driven by private companies, aiming to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035.
China's advancements in space technology are reshaping the competitive landscape, emphasizing a new era of multi-national supremacy in space exploration.
Deep dives
Global Space Economy Growth
The global space economy is projected to grow significantly, potentially reaching $1.8 trillion by 2035. This growth is expected to rival established industries like semiconductors, indicating that space technologies will become as integral to society as microchips are today. The driving force behind this expansion is largely attributed to the surge of private companies entering the space sector, which contrasts with the previous era dominated by government-led initiatives. As countries like the U.S. and China advance their space capabilities, the competitive landscape of the space economy is rapidly evolving.
Changing Landscape of Space Power
China has emerged as a formidable player in the space domain, having made remarkable advancements in technology and exploration. This shift from the historical dominance of the U.S. and the Soviet Union underscores a new era where multiple nations vie for supremacy in space activities. The narrative has transitioned from a race to the moon to developing sustainable infrastructure that supports ongoing operations in space. This transformation reflects a broader ambition to not just access space, but to establish a permanent human presence there.
Private Sector's Role in Space Exploration
The role of private companies in space exploration has gained unprecedented importance, changing how nations approach space initiatives. Companies like SpaceX have become prominent actors, providing launch services that were previously the sole purview of government agencies. This relationship between national space endeavors and private sector support has fostered innovation and efficiency in missions. However, the heavy reliance on private companies raises questions about the long-term sustainability of these ventures without ongoing state support.
Regulating Space Activities
The establishment of clear rules and regulations for space activities is increasingly vital as nations embark on ambitious exploratory missions. The Artemis Accords aim to create a framework for cooperation among countries involved in lunar exploration, promoting peaceful uses of outer space. However, the challenge of enforcing these rules remains significant given the sovereign nature of nations and the complexity of international agreements. As nations develop their own space programs, potential conflicts regarding territorial claims and resource utilization may arise, highlighting the necessity for effective governance in space.
The U.S. for a long time has been the dominant player in space. But more recently, China and India have been on the rise. CNBC's Tom Chitty and Arjun Kharpal talk to Christopher Newman, Professor of Space Law and Policy at Northumbria, about the latest developments in the new space age.