Ep 35 - Space Wars: How Satellites Are The New Weapons | ft. John Klein, Space Strategist

In this episode of The Great Tech Game podcast, host Anirudh Suri sits down with Dr. John Klein—space strategist, military theorist, and author of Fight for the Final Frontier—as part of our Future of War and Tech series. This episode marks our first deep dive into the space domain.Dr. Klein explains why “space is not special, just wonderfully different,” urging a strategic and historical lens to understand the shifting nature of space power. The conversation explores how commercial firms—now responsible for over 90% of spacecraft in orbit—are transforming the global space landscape, and what that means for governments, warfighting, and deterrence.From anti-satellite tests and cyber attacks on satellite infrastructure to the critical role of geospatial intelligence in the Russia-Ukraine war, the episode highlights how space is already shaping today’s conflicts. Reflecting on maritime analogies, the risks of “mirror imaging,” and India’s evolving posture in this domain, this is a must-watch episode for anyone interested in space strategy and geopolitics.CHAPTERS00:00 Trailer04:06 Key Technological Advancements in Space in Recent Years10:56 Who Are the Key Nations in the Space Power Club?14:21 Key Private Space Entities and their Relationship with Governments31:36 How Commercial Companies are Governed by International Space Treaties36:38 Drone Warfare and GPS Jamming in the India-Pak Conflict40:15 Geospatial Intelligence and OSINT in Recent Conflicts50:31 India's Space Capabilities and Strategic Advice for Indian Startups57:20 How Should Countries Navigate Space Geopolitics?01:00:42 Book Recommendations and Final ThoughtsAbout Dr. John Klein:Dr. John J. Klein is a Senior Fellow and Strategist at Falcon Research, Inc., and Adjunct Professor at George Washington University’s Space Policy Institute and Georgetown University’s Strategic Studies Program. He frequently writes on space strategy, deterrence, and the Law of Armed Conflict. He is the author of the books Understanding Space Strategy: The Art of War in Space (2019), Space Warfare: Strategy, Principles and Policy (2006) and the recently released Fight for the Final Frontier: Irregular Warfare in Space (2023), along with a score of other book chapters and articles. He is a retired Commander of US Navy, where he served as a Naval Flight Officer from 22 years. He also supported combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Links to Dr. Klein's books:Understanding Space Strategy: The Art of War in Space - https://www.amazon.in/Understanding-Space-Strategy-Power-Politics/dp/1138354627Space Warfare: Strategy, Principles and Policy - https://www.amazon.in/Space-Warfare-Strategy-Principles-Politics/dp/0415407966Fight for the Final Frontier: Irregular Warfare in Space - https://www.amazon.in/Fight-Final-Frontier-Irregular-Warfare/dp/155750735XHost of the Podcast, Anirudh Suri:The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri - https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My Follow Anirudh here:X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuriLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suriFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.inWebsite: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/) Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/)🎥 Clip Credit 1:“2021 Russian Satellite Intercept” – Ansys Government Initiatives (AGI)Watch here: https://youtu.be/b52F9R9ByOY?si=vp1uc224HqiYJZE6🎥 Clip Credit 2:“Geostationary, Molniya, Tundra, Polar & Sun Synchronous Orbits Explained” – Scott ManleyWatch here: https://youtu.be/PZAkiXNJIqc?si=d7S8mNKstsYLbXEc🎬 Clip Credit 3:“Northrop Grumman’s MEV-1 docked with the Intelsat 901 satellite” – SciNewsWatch here: https://youtu.be/pHrxDGafnV4?si=q_MLCT9UDbhpI1iJ🎬 Clip Credit 4:“Low Earth orbit is littered with human-made space junk” – RAZOR Science ShowWatch here: https://youtu.be/QTXUbW77WZE?si=dZZr4NzR61DcrFFT