No Events
Space not only pushes the boundaries of scientific curiosity but also serves as a stage for the power struggles of states in the political arena. The space race, which started in 1957 with the Soviet Union’s launch of the Sputnik satellite, has transferred the competitive dynamics of the Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union into space. Since this historic turning point, the space race has become increasingly complex and intricate with the diversification of the participating countries and their objectives. Today, this competitive field has gained a new dimension with the involvement of state actors such as China, Russia, and the USA, as well as private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin. These actors are pushing space technology to new limits with their financing and innovation capacities and reshaping international space policies beyond the traditional state structure.
This fascinating and expanding race brings new strategic problems and threats in terms of international security, and as activities in space increase, international norms are forced to redefine. China’s ambitious missions to the Moon and Mars, Russia’s anti-satellite weapons tests, and the critical infrastructure projects of the private sector show that space is not only an area of exploration but also a strategic arena shaping global power balances. Initiatives such as SpaceX’s Starlink project, with its potential to provide global internet access, also increase concerns about military applications alongside civil uses. This new phase of the space race not only constitutes a technological race but also causes a reshaping of international relations and security policies, creating profound and lasting impacts.
…
