The New Space Race
Written by Julie Chavanu
The Space Race has changed a lot since it started in the 1950’s. At that time, the race was between the US and the USSR and began after WW2 when the 2 countries began competing to develop ballistic missile-based nuclear arms and to achieve other spaceflight firsts. Ultimately, the race was about military power, but its impact is far-reaching into many corners of technological advancements.
Today’s Space Race is still about technology and power. Some of the players are the same and some are different. While governments still play a huge role, private corporations are also increasingly not just in the mix but leading the way.
The United States and Russia still play lead roles, but now Europe, Japan and UAE are also launching their own rockets to Mars and satellites into space. NASA still hosts launches and plays a major role in developing both equipment and personnel in support of space exploration and development, but companies like SpaceX and United Launch Alliance also develop satellites and make deliveries to the ISS.
3 factors pushing today’s Space Race:
Communication: Wireless technologies have forever changed the way we communicate and live. In many developing countries, wireless communication is the only access. As it becomes more stable and provides us with greater bandwidth, we’ve also become much more dependent on it. As of the time of this writing, SpaceX alone has launched 895 Starlink satellites into orbit.
Security: In late 2019, the U.S. Military established Space Force. Originally part of the Air Force, the military determined that because of continued technological and political developments, the work would be better accomplished in a separate organization.
By the end of 2020, Space Force will have 16,000 active-duty and civilian members. At this time, their role is making sure the growing number of government and private communication satellites have a safe place in which to operate.
Environment: Keeping a world of over 7 Billion people functioning is a big task. Using satellites to track agricultural developments and things like changes in sea levels and weather patterns help governments and corporations address global issues more effectively.
What’s it mean?
- Today’s Space Race is making possible connections that weren’t viable a generation ago.
- Everyone from governments and corporations to educators to everyday citizens are affected by these developments and they will continue to change the way we live.
- While NASA’s role is evolving as one player among many, there are also evolving education needs in the industry. Students will need the right mix of business and technical training as the industry folds more work into the private sector.