Geopolitical Shifts in Space Exploration: Towards New International Alignments

Space is nowadays conceived not only as important for scientific, cultural or security motivations but as a symbol of modernity, political identity and as a strategic instrument on the international scene. With the acceleration of new forms of economic competition and arms races in the Middle East and Asia, several nations decided to develop such capabilities and to make space policy a key element of their national identity, of their 'posture' as the diplomats say, on the international stage. The development of the space world brings a new challenge for Europe puzzled by the weakening American leadership, the uncertainties of the Russian complex and the rise of the Asiatic nations. In such a context, while too many space policy experts see the space policies of the major space powers as rather conservative and "as usual", the author cross-examines in five points the main policy lines of the space strategies of the US, Russia, China and Europe. Many things have changed in the last ten years and there are today new dynamics at work. Considering these evolutions, it is suggested to start thinking about the future policy lines of the major space powers: towards a broader competition, or the beginning of a new rationale for international cooperation.