From Earth to Orbit |
The space domain is emerging as a new arena for competition, power and cooperation, characterised by new technologies. For centuries, powerful states have fought for control over land, sea and air to shape the world in accordance with their strategic interests. Today, the fulcrum of power is shifting towards space-based capabilities. While space has long been the subject of science fiction and has inspired astronauts and exploration, it is metamorphosing into one of the most competitive environments in contemporary global politics. Space has emerged as a strategic domain of warfare embedded in a complex multipolar world order. Moreover, Europe is striving to develop its own satellite constellations to avoid the risk of strategic dependence.
It is pertinent to familiarise readers with the nomenclature and discourse of outer space. Historically, empire-building occurred primarily through land; over time, the global balance of power was shaped by nations with the strongest navies. Likewise, the development of air power profoundly influenced global politics over the past century. The next major arena for great-power competition is space power. Nations are competing for security and economic leverage over their adversaries, and are moving into space for both military and economic reasons. Space........