16 August 2024
Musk's Potential Impact on Space Policy, Advancing Private Sector Innovation While Preserving Space as Province of Humankind - Space News Roundup
(Image: Adobe)
In July, Elon Musk used his social media platform, X.com (formerly Twitter), to publicly declare his support for U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Musk expressed his full endorsement of Trump, wishing for his "rapid victory." This past Monday, Musk hosted Trump on X for an interview, signalling the former president’s bid to garner support after recent momentum from Vice President Kamala Harris. Notably, Trump had been banned from the platform but was reinstated by Musk in November 2022.
Reports in May suggested that Musk might assume an advisory role if Trump wins the upcoming election, marking a significant shift in their relationship. Although Musk’s potential involvement in an official capacity remains uncertain, Laura Hood, Politics Editor & Assistant Editor for The Conversation UK, recently analysed the potential implications of such a development, particularly concerning space policy.
Hood asserts that a close partnership between Musk and Trump "could significantly shape the future of U.S. space exploration and defence, as well as shift the balance of power between the public and private sectors in space.” This possibility holds considerable weight, given that Musk's SpaceX is the most influential commercial space company on the planet. SpaceX has revolutionised the industry through its achievements in rocket reusability and increased access to space, reinforcing U.S. leadership in space exploration.
Furthermore, Hood highlights the shared vision between Musk and Trump regarding human expansion beyond Earth. The Trump administration's Space Policy Directive 1, signed in December 2017, laid the groundwork for the U.S. to return to the Moon and establish a permanent lunar base under the Artemis program. Both Musk and Trump support the commercialisation of space, making Musk's potential advisory role at the White House a potential accelerator for the U.S. private sector’s involvement in space activities.
Musk’s competitive approach to innovation is well-known, as seen in his comments in 2022 that "patents are for the weak," asserting that they “don't advance things." This approach of openness and competition could drive innovation in space at an unprecedented pace. It might also persuade the White House to reconsider its stance on international cooperation, particularly regarding the restrictive Wolf Amendment, which currently prohibits NASA from using government funds to engage in direct, bilateral cooperation with the Chinese government.
Could Elon Musk be the catalyst needed to foster trust and promote better relations between space superpowers? A cooperative approach grounded in openness and shared goals might be the key to achieving truly peaceful and sustainable objectives in space.
(Image: Adobe)
Musk's Influence in International Space Relations and the Clear Need for Stakeholder Cooperation
While Elon Musk and SpaceX have indeed revolutionised the space industry, playing a pivotal role in the new industrial revolution in space, Musk's increasing involvement in politics raises questions about whether or not his political influence could become destabilising.
Musk's previous forays into foreign policy and his controversial political comments have sparked concerns about the potential politicisation of SpaceX services. In October 2022, Musk drew outrage from Ukrainian officials when he posted a poll on X (then Twitter) proposing a "peace plan" for Ukraine, which included elections in annexed regions, recognising Crimea as Russian, and advocating for Ukrainian neutrality.
A year later, in October 2023, Musk angered Taiwanese officials by referring to the island as an "integral part of China." More recently, just last week, he posted that "civil war is inevitable" in the U.K. amid riots organised by far-right groups. The U.K. Prime Minister's office responded, stating there was "no justification" for Musk's comments.
Additionally, this week, ahead of his interview with Trump, Thierry Breton, who oversees the EU's enforcement of new social media regulations, warned Musk about spreading "harmful content.”
Musk's political alignment could create barriers for both him and SpaceX, discouraging investment and encouraging customers to go elsewhere. A significant portion of space investment still comes from governments, and the politicisation of commercial space technology could subject public spending on space initiatives to increased scrutiny.
The issue extends to Musk's Starlink satellite services, particularly in conflict zones like Ukraine. After Russia's invasion, Starlink was authorised for use by Ukraine, providing critical communication capabilities for both civilian and military purposes. However, the dual-use nature of Starlink technology, serving both civilian and military applications, has led to concerns about the “technology politicisation."
This term, explored in the TRT World Research Centre’s paper "The Politics of Dual-Use Technology: Starlink and the War in Ukraine," examines how technology and politics influence each other. In the space sector, this concept also reflects the growing political influence of tech pioneers like Musk.
As influential figures like Musk continue to shape the development of space, their actions underscore the profound impact that commercial space entities can have on global space policy. The question remains whether this influence will be wielded for the greater good.
(Image: Astroscale)
Collaboration and Innovation for the Future of Sustainable Development
Cooperation and transparent dialogue are becoming increasingly urgent, not only for developing international frameworks to ensure the peaceful use of the Moon and outer space but also for safeguarding the sustainable development of these realms for current and future generations. Multi-stakeholder dialogue is essential, especially among the increasingly powerful private sector.
In 2022, the Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities (GEGSLA) released their “Recommended Framework on Key Elements for Peaceful and Sustainable Lunar Activities”. The framework acknowledges the UN's Long-Term Sustainability guidelines but suggests that further steps are necessary to ensure effective dialogue among diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, academia, and industry.
The private sector's role extends beyond contributing to new regulatory frameworks; it also involves addressing sustainability and driving innovation for future success. Japanese company Astroscale is leading efforts in orbital debris remediation, as evidenced by their July mission, which captured footage of a large piece of debris, an 11-meter-long spent rocket stage. This mission is part of Astroscale’s ADRAS-J debris inspection initiative, which aims to gather data on debris removal and demonstrate remote proximity operations technology.
Additionally, Astroscale recently announced a partnership with Airbus to explore technologies beyond debris removal, such as in-space assembly and manufacturing (ISAM), which could enable the construction of machinery directly in space, a step toward achieving a sustainable, circular economy in space.
Swiss company ClearSpace and engineering consultancy Plextek have also strengthened their partnership to address orbital debris and satellite servicing. Plextek is developing radar solutions to assist ClearSpace in approaching and manipulating objects in space. Both Clearspace and Astroscale are also participating in a UK Space Agency project to remove a pair of defunct UK satellites in 2026, alongside other planned missions.
The urgency of these projects is underscored by the growing number of space debris incidents, with an estimated 36,500 objects larger than 10 cm and 130 million smaller fragments currently orbiting Earth, according to the European Space Agency (ESA).
BP join NASA in lunar exploration, steps must be taken by leading stakeholders to ensure equity
Now, more than ever, all parties and stakeholders must engage in efforts to correct the mistakes made in Earth's orbit and prevent them from being replicated on celestial bodies like the Moon. This includes ensuring the proper disposal of defunct vehicles and debris, as well as promoting circular economy strategies. Protecting off-world resources is also crucial, particularly as more government agencies and private sector entities seek to exploit these resources.
This week, it was announced that British Petroleum (BP) will leverage its expertise in oil drilling to assist NASA in establishing a base on the Moon. BP will contribute its knowledge of remote technology operations in extreme environments, such as those under the ocean, and apply it to lunar conditions.
Furthermore, new research based on seismic data suggests the presence of vast water reserves beneath the surface of Mars. Water is a critical resource for sustaining human settlements and deep space exploration, as it can be used to produce rocket fuel. While drilling to the depths where the water is believed to exist - 11.5 to 20 km - would be highly challenging, this discovery raises important questions about the value of these resources and the need to establish frameworks that ensure their fair, equitable, and sustainable use.
Article I of the UN Outer Space Treaty, the cornerstone of international space law, declares that outer space is the "province of all mankind" and is to benefit all countries. Therefore, leading stakeholders from both agencies and industry have a responsibility to engage with one another and ensure that space and other celestial bodies remain accessible and beneficial to all humanity.
Illustration of VIPER (Image: NASA/Daniel Rutter)
16 August 2024
Musk's Potential Impact on Space Policy, Advancing Private Sector Innovation While Preserving Space as Province of Humankind - Space News Roundup
In July, Elon Musk used his social media platform, X.com (formerly Twitter), to publicly declare his support for U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Musk expressed his full endorsement of Trump, wishing for his "rapid victory." This past Monday, Musk hosted Trump on X for an interview, signalling the former president’s bid to garner support after recent momentum from Vice President Kamala Harris. Notably, Trump had been banned from the platform but was reinstated by Musk in November 2022.
Reports in May suggested that Musk might assume an advisory role if Trump wins the upcoming election, marking a significant shift in their relationship. Although Musk’s potential involvement in an official capacity remains uncertain, Laura Hood, Politics Editor & Assistant Editor for The Conversation UK, recently analysed the potential implications of such a development, particularly concerning space policy.
Hood asserts that a close partnership between Musk and Trump "could significantly shape the future of U.S. space exploration and defence, as well as shift the balance of power between the public and private sectors in space.” This possibility holds considerable weight, given that Musk's SpaceX is the most influential commercial space company on the planet. SpaceX has revolutionised the industry through its achievements in rocket reusability and increased access to space, reinforcing U.S. leadership in space exploration.
Furthermore, Hood highlights the shared vision between Musk and Trump regarding human expansion beyond Earth. The Trump administration's Space Policy Directive 1, signed in December 2017, laid the groundwork for the U.S. to return to the Moon and establish a permanent lunar base under the Artemis program. Both Musk and Trump support the commercialisation of space, making Musk's potential advisory role at the White House a potential accelerator for the U.S. private sector’s involvement in space activities.
Musk’s competitive approach to innovation is well-known, as seen in his comments in 2022 that "patents are for the weak," asserting that they “don't advance things." This approach of openness and competition could drive innovation in space at an unprecedented pace. It might also persuade the White House to reconsider its stance on international cooperation, particularly regarding the restrictive Wolf Amendment, which currently prohibits NASA from using government funds to engage in direct, bilateral cooperation with the Chinese government.
Could Elon Musk be the catalyst needed to foster trust and promote better relations between space superpowers? A cooperative approach grounded in openness and shared goals might be the key to achieving truly peaceful and sustainable objectives in space.
(Image: Adobe)
Musk's Influence in International Space Relations and the Clear Need for Stakeholder Cooperation
While Elon Musk and SpaceX have indeed revolutionised the space industry, playing a pivotal role in the new industrial revolution in space, Musk's increasing involvement in politics raises questions about whether or not his political influence could become destabilising.
Musk's previous forays into foreign policy and his controversial political comments have sparked concerns about the potential politicisation of SpaceX services. In October 2022, Musk drew outrage from Ukrainian officials when he posted a poll on X (then Twitter) proposing a "peace plan" for Ukraine, which included elections in annexed regions, recognising Crimea as Russian, and advocating for Ukrainian neutrality.
A year later, in October 2023, Musk angered Taiwanese officials by referring to the island as an "integral part of China." More recently, just last week, he posted that "civil war is inevitable" in the U.K. amid riots organised by far-right groups. The U.K. Prime Minister's office responded, stating there was "no justification" for Musk's comments.
Additionally, this week, ahead of his interview with Trump, Thierry Breton, who oversees the EU's enforcement of new social media regulations, warned Musk about spreading "harmful content.”
Musk's political alignment could create barriers for both him and SpaceX, discouraging investment and encouraging customers to go elsewhere. A significant portion of space investment still comes from governments, and the politicisation of commercial space technology could subject public spending on space initiatives to increased scrutiny.
The issue extends to Musk's Starlink satellite services, particularly in conflict zones like Ukraine. After Russia's invasion, Starlink was authorised for use by Ukraine, providing critical communication capabilities for both civilian and military purposes. However, the dual-use nature of Starlink technology, serving both civilian and military applications, has led to concerns about the “technology politicisation."
This term, explored in the TRT World Research Centre’s paper "The Politics of Dual-Use Technology: Starlink and the War in Ukraine," examines how technology and politics influence each other. In the space sector, this concept also reflects the growing political influence of tech pioneers like Musk.
As influential figures like Musk continue to shape the development of space, their actions underscore the profound impact that commercial space entities can have on global space policy. The question remains whether this influence will be wielded for the greater good.
(Image: Astroscale)
Collaboration and Innovation for the Future of Sustainable Development
Cooperation and transparent dialogue are becoming increasingly urgent, not only for developing international frameworks to ensure the peaceful use of the Moon and outer space but also for safeguarding the sustainable development of these realms for current and future generations. Multi-stakeholder dialogue is essential, especially among the increasingly powerful private sector.
In 2022, the Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities (GEGSLA) released their “Recommended Framework on Key Elements for Peaceful and Sustainable Lunar Activities”. The framework acknowledges the UN's Long-Term Sustainability guidelines but suggests that further steps are necessary to ensure effective dialogue among diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, academia, and industry.
The private sector's role extends beyond contributing to new regulatory frameworks; it also involves addressing sustainability and driving innovation for future success. Japanese company Astroscale is leading efforts in orbital debris remediation, as evidenced by their July mission, which captured footage of a large piece of debris, an 11-meter-long spent rocket stage. This mission is part of Astroscale’s ADRAS-J debris inspection initiative, which aims to gather data on debris removal and demonstrate remote proximity operations technology.
Additionally, Astroscale recently announced a partnership with Airbus to explore technologies beyond debris removal, such as in-space assembly and manufacturing (ISAM), which could enable the construction of machinery directly in space, a step toward achieving a sustainable, circular economy in space.
Swiss company ClearSpace and engineering consultancy Plextek have also strengthened their partnership to address orbital debris and satellite servicing. Plextek is developing radar solutions to assist ClearSpace in approaching and manipulating objects in space. Both Clearspace and Astroscale are also participating in a UK Space Agency project to remove a pair of defunct UK satellites in 2026, alongside other planned missions.
The urgency of these projects is underscored by the growing number of space debris incidents, with an estimated 36,500 objects larger than 10 cm and 130 million smaller fragments currently orbiting Earth, according to the European Space Agency (ESA).
BP join NASA in lunar exploration, steps must be taken by leading stakeholders to ensure equity
Now, more than ever, all parties and stakeholders must engage in efforts to correct the mistakes made in Earth's orbit and prevent them from being replicated on celestial bodies like the Moon. This includes ensuring the proper disposal of defunct vehicles and debris, as well as promoting circular economy strategies. Protecting off-world resources is also crucial, particularly as more government agencies and private sector entities seek to exploit these resources.
This week, it was announced that British Petroleum (BP) will leverage its expertise in oil drilling to assist NASA in establishing a base on the Moon. BP will contribute its knowledge of remote technology operations in extreme environments, such as those under the ocean, and apply it to lunar conditions.
Furthermore, new research based on seismic data suggests the presence of vast water reserves beneath the surface of Mars. Water is a critical resource for sustaining human settlements and deep space exploration, as it can be used to produce rocket fuel. While drilling to the depths where the water is believed to exist - 11.5 to 20 km - would be highly challenging, this discovery raises important questions about the value of these resources and the need to establish frameworks that ensure their fair, equitable, and sustainable use.
Article I of the UN Outer Space Treaty, the cornerstone of international space law, declares that outer space is the "province of all mankind" and is to benefit all countries. Therefore, leading stakeholders from both agencies and industry have a responsibility to engage with one another and ensure that space and other celestial bodies remain accessible and beneficial to all humanity.
Share this article
16 August 2024
Musk's Potential Impact on Space Policy, Advancing Private Sector Innovation While Preserving Space as Province of Humankind - Space News Roundup
(Image: Adobe)
In July, Elon Musk used his social media platform, X.com (formerly Twitter), to publicly declare his support for U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Musk expressed his full endorsement of Trump, wishing for his "rapid victory." This past Monday, Musk hosted Trump on X for an interview, signalling the former president’s bid to garner support after recent momentum from Vice President Kamala Harris. Notably, Trump had been banned from the platform but was reinstated by Musk in November 2022.
Reports in May suggested that Musk might assume an advisory role if Trump wins the upcoming election, marking a significant shift in their relationship. Although Musk’s potential involvement in an official capacity remains uncertain, Laura Hood, Politics Editor & Assistant Editor for The Conversation UK, recently analysed the potential implications of such a development, particularly concerning space policy.
Hood asserts that a close partnership between Musk and Trump "could significantly shape the future of U.S. space exploration and defence, as well as shift the balance of power between the public and private sectors in space.” This possibility holds considerable weight, given that Musk's SpaceX is the most influential commercial space company on the planet. SpaceX has revolutionised the industry through its achievements in rocket reusability and increased access to space, reinforcing U.S. leadership in space exploration.
Furthermore, Hood highlights the shared vision between Musk and Trump regarding human expansion beyond Earth. The Trump administration's Space Policy Directive 1, signed in December 2017, laid the groundwork for the U.S. to return to the Moon and establish a permanent lunar base under the Artemis program. Both Musk and Trump support the commercialisation of space, making Musk's potential advisory role at the White House a potential accelerator for the U.S. private sector’s involvement in space activities.
Musk’s competitive approach to innovation is well-known, as seen in his comments in 2022 that "patents are for the weak," asserting that they “don't advance things." This approach of openness and competition could drive innovation in space at an unprecedented pace.
It might also persuade the White House to reconsider its stance on international cooperation, particularly regarding the restrictive Wolf Amendment, which currently prohibits NASA from using government funds to engage in direct, bilateral cooperation with the Chinese government.
Could Elon Musk be the catalyst needed to foster trust and promote better relations between space superpowers? A cooperative approach grounded in openness and shared goals might be the key to achieving truly peaceful and sustainable objectives in space.
(Image: Adobe)
Musk's Influence in International Space Relations and the Clear Need for Stakeholder Cooperation
While Elon Musk and SpaceX have indeed revolutionised the space industry, playing a pivotal role in the new industrial revolution in space, Musk's increasing involvement in politics raises questions about whether or not his political influence could become destabilising.
Musk's previous forays into foreign policy and his controversial political comments have sparked concerns about the potential politicisation of SpaceX services. In October 2022, Musk drew outrage from Ukrainian officials when he posted a poll on X (then Twitter) proposing a "peace plan" for Ukraine, which included elections in annexed regions, recognising Crimea as Russian, and advocating for Ukrainian neutrality.
A year later, in October 2023, Musk angered Taiwanese officials by referring to the island as an "integral part of China." More recently, just last week, he posted that "civil war is inevitable" in the U.K. amid riots organised by far-right groups. The U.K. Prime Minister's office responded, stating there was "no justification" for Musk's comments.
Additionally, this week, ahead of his interview with Trump, Thierry Breton, who oversees the EU's enforcement of new social media regulations, warned Musk about spreading "harmful content."
Musk's political alignment could create barriers for both him and SpaceX, discouraging investment and encouraging customers to go elsewhere. A significant portion of space investment still comes from governments, and the politicisation of commercial space technology could subject public spending on space initiatives to increased scrutiny.
The issue extends to Musk's Starlink satellite services, particularly in conflict zones like Ukraine. After Russia's invasion, Starlink was authorised for use by Ukraine, providing critical communication capabilities for both civilian and military purposes. However, the dual-use nature of Starlink technology, serving both civilian and military applications, has led to concerns about the “technology politicisation."
This term, explored in the TRT World Research Centre’s paper "The Politics of Dual-Use Technology: Starlink and the War in Ukraine," examines how technology and politics influence each other. In the space sector, this concept also reflects the growing political influence of tech pioneers like Musk.
As influential figures like Musk continue to shape the development of space, their actions underscore the profound impact that commercial space entities can have on global space policy. The question remains whether this influence will be wielded for the greater good.
(Image: Astroscale)
Collaboration and Innovation for the Future of Sustainable Development
Cooperation and transparent dialogue are becoming increasingly urgent, not only for developing international frameworks to ensure the peaceful use of the Moon and outer space but also for safeguarding the sustainable development of these realms for current and future generations. Multi-stakeholder dialogue is essential, especially among the increasingly powerful private sector.
In 2022, the Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities (GEGSLA) released their “Recommended Framework on Key Elements for Peaceful and Sustainable Lunar Activities”. The framework acknowledges the UN's Long-Term Sustainability guidelines but suggests that further steps are necessary to ensure effective dialogue among diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, academia, and industry.
The private sector's role extends beyond contributing to new regulatory frameworks; it also involves addressing sustainability and driving innovation for future success. Japanese company Astroscale is leading efforts in orbital debris remediation, as evidenced by their July mission, which captured footage of a large piece of debris, an 11-meter-long spent rocket stage. This mission is part of Astroscale’s ADRAS-J debris inspection initiative, which aims to gather data on debris removal and demonstrate remote proximity operations technology.
Additionally, Astroscale recently announced a partnership with Airbus to explore technologies beyond debris removal, such as in-space assembly and manufacturing (ISAM), which could enable the construction of machinery directly in space, a step toward achieving a sustainable, circular economy in space.
Swiss company ClearSpace and engineering consultancy Plextek have also strengthened their partnership to address orbital debris and satellite servicing. Plextek is developing radar solutions to assist ClearSpace in approaching and manipulating objects in space. Both Clearspace and Astroscale are also participating in a UK Space Agency project to remove a pair of defunct UK satellites in 2026, alongside other planned missions.
The urgency of these projects is underscored by the growing number of space debris incidents, with an estimated 36,500 objects larger than 10 cm and 130 million smaller fragments currently orbiting Earth, according to the European Space Agency (ESA).
BP join NASA in lunar exploration, steps must be taken by leading stakeholders to ensure equity
Now, more than ever, all parties and stakeholders must engage in efforts to correct the mistakes made in Earth's orbit and prevent them from being replicated on celestial bodies like the Moon. This includes ensuring the proper disposal of defunct vehicles and debris, as well as promoting circular economy strategies. Protecting off-world resources is also crucial, particularly as more government agencies and private sector entities seek to exploit these resources.
This week, it was announced that British Petroleum (BP) will leverage its expertise in oil drilling to assist NASA in establishing a base on the Moon. BP will contribute its knowledge of remote technology operations in extreme environments, such as those under the ocean, and apply it to lunar conditions.
Furthermore, new research based on seismic data suggests the presence of vast water reserves beneath the surface of Mars. Water is a critical resource for sustaining human settlements and deep space exploration, as it can be used to produce rocket fuel. While drilling to the depths where the water is believed to exist - 11.5 to 20 km - would be highly challenging, this discovery raises important questions about the value of these resources and the need to establish frameworks that ensure their fair, equitable, and sustainable use.
Article I of the UN Outer Space Treaty, the cornerstone of international space law, declares that outer space is the "province of all mankind" and is to benefit all countries. Therefore, leading stakeholders from both agencies and industry have a responsibility to engage with one another and ensure that space and other celestial bodies remain accessible and beneficial to all humanity.
Share this article