Great Power Competition in Outer Space

Human activity in space is increasing rapidly. Strategic competition, commercial ventures, and the number of spacefaring countries are all increasing. Strategic competition among governments extends into space. Critical national security, global communications, and navigation are all supported by assets orbiting space. Six thousand satellites and more than 27,000 pieces of satellite-damaging debris orbit the Earth. Furthermore, sovereign governments are no longer the only entities with access to space. Increasingly, private companies offer services in space. Some analysts estimate the space industry could achieve $1 trillion annual revenue by 2040. Managing competition and congestion in space requires international cooperation because this area is not sovereign territory; every state has a right of access. The push of new technology, commercial interests, scientific inquiry, and diplomatic competition generate the need for new governance regimes. The Project on Great Power Competition in Outer Space will produce a book, articles, and meetings to identify pillars of a new system of governance to manage human activities in space.