29 July 2024

Space Technology Advances: Catalysts for Conflict or Pathways for Human Progress?

Abnesh Raina

Executive Summary

The profound impact that emerging space technologies are starting to have on global geopolitical dynamics and economic environments raises a crucial question: Are we forging a better future for humanity, or merely creating new catalysts for wars and conflicts that have marred humanity throughout history? As space technology continues to evolve, it is not only enhancing capabilities across various domains but also significantly reducing the cost of space access, thereby democratizing it and broadening participation from an array of state and non-state actors.

The economic potential of space, forecasted to evolve into a multi-trillion dollar industry, funded by investments from both government and private sectors is driving innovations in space tourism, lunar & asteroid mining, and other space-related industries poised to create new markets and job opportunities. The advent of technologies such as hyperspectral imaging, advanced satellite systems, and artificial intelligence is reshaping capabilities in surveillance and reconnaissance of celestial bodies potentially creating conflicts over valuable extraterrestrial assets and national security concerns.

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