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Scramble for the Skies: The Great Power Competition to Control the Resources of Outer Space
With a focus on China, the United States, and India, this book examines the economic ambitions of the second space race. The authors argue that space ambitions are informed by a combination of factors, including available resources, capability, elite preferences, and talent pool. The authors demonstrate how these influences affect the development of national space programs as well as policy and law.
- GenresSpaceTechnologyScience
464 pages, Hardcover
Published October 6, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 7, 2020
While the average layman might have an interest in space exploration or exploitation, or delight in space science fiction, few have any real notion of what is going on in the competition for space resources, the development of space technologies, the political and legal challenges they will bring about, or the potential realignments of power and economy that are shaping our future. Not long ago, a friend applauded her son's school essay in which he disparaged the use of government funds on space and other friends disparaged the formation of the USA's Space Force. All of them betrayed a deep ignorance, not only of the technological advances that space has already brought us, but the vast resources that could shape our future and the geopolitical competition for them that may determine the power structure of the world future generations live in.
Garretson and Goswami build an important and meticulously researched case that not only details how the USA, China, India, Luxembourg and the UAE are positioning themselves for this future, but how they may react to different scenarios and many ways in which this competition could both enrich nations and companies....and the public....but also the ways in which they could result in complex political and power issues, even to the point of war. They make a strong case for the Space Force, likening it to the "blue water" Navy, with the objective of keeping shipping lanes open and safe. Theirs is a groundbreaking work that will stimulate a new generation of thinking about the relationships among spacefaring nations.
This book is rigorously documented and will be invaluable not only to the academic study of the coming competition for space resources in the way it frames the discourse and examines the strategic cultures of the nations included, but those involved in developing policy and law, which will be critical to how the future develops. It is the first book to take such a comprehensive and structured look at these factors. The layman may have some notion of the space accomplishments of Russia, since it was the first USA competitor in space, but most will be astonished at the growth of space programs and technologies in the countries studied, particularly the growing competencies and influence of India, Luxembourg and the UAE, as well as the definitely planned program China is following.
It takes futurist thinkers to see the possible outcomes of the coming competition, who can trace the trajectories already in motion in these countries, and to show that the country that first establishes the rules and norms (indeed, laws) for the conduct of the race for space resources and power will own the future in ways we can only begin to project. This is a book for those with a serious interest in the future of space and power relationships. With the questions it poses and the alternate frameworks it foresees, it is likely to generate a host of future studies, articles and books. One hopes these authors will also be forthcoming with a book directed to the popular market to give their expertise a wider audience.
Garretson and Goswami build an important and meticulously researched case that not only details how the USA, China, India, Luxembourg and the UAE are positioning themselves for this future, but how they may react to different scenarios and many ways in which this competition could both enrich nations and companies....and the public....but also the ways in which they could result in complex political and power issues, even to the point of war. They make a strong case for the Space Force, likening it to the "blue water" Navy, with the objective of keeping shipping lanes open and safe. Theirs is a groundbreaking work that will stimulate a new generation of thinking about the relationships among spacefaring nations.
This book is rigorously documented and will be invaluable not only to the academic study of the coming competition for space resources in the way it frames the discourse and examines the strategic cultures of the nations included, but those involved in developing policy and law, which will be critical to how the future develops. It is the first book to take such a comprehensive and structured look at these factors. The layman may have some notion of the space accomplishments of Russia, since it was the first USA competitor in space, but most will be astonished at the growth of space programs and technologies in the countries studied, particularly the growing competencies and influence of India, Luxembourg and the UAE, as well as the definitely planned program China is following.
It takes futurist thinkers to see the possible outcomes of the coming competition, who can trace the trajectories already in motion in these countries, and to show that the country that first establishes the rules and norms (indeed, laws) for the conduct of the race for space resources and power will own the future in ways we can only begin to project. This is a book for those with a serious interest in the future of space and power relationships. With the questions it poses and the alternate frameworks it foresees, it is likely to generate a host of future studies, articles and books. One hopes these authors will also be forthcoming with a book directed to the popular market to give their expertise a wider audience.
September 18, 2024
A great look at the competing space policies of the US, China and India while also giving a brief nod to the middle powers trying to get into the field. The US was the most in depth due to it having the most history, but the China part was very interesting. Recommend to anyone interested in the future of national space competition.
December 28, 2020
Phenomenal research and analysis regarding future grand strategy in competition with US, China, and India. By 2050, China will naturally progress to be the strongest economic nation in the world unless the United States does something about it. Therefore, the US needs to leverage the resources of space to stay on top in order to call the shots. This book provides significant evidence behind why the US needs a Space Force and why US leadership in space is so important. Absolutely excellent work highlighting significant strides the Trump administration made in the last four years and how China is creeping up right behind the US. This a a must read for all military and financial strategists.
November 17, 2020
It details the economic incentives that drive us to form the Space Force in the first place. The authors do a great job at highlighting (with sources at the end of each chapter) past, present and future timelines. The authors pose the question of whether there is a race or scramble for space resources. Analogies and metaphors are made between the current state of affairs over space and historical incidences involving great power struggles Navies face. The authors did a great job at highlighting the strategic culture of the USA, China, India, Luxembourg, and the UAE.
August 23, 2023
Relevant, but not an easy read.
I read some chapters before heading to COPUOS LSC to get a better understanding of what (or why) my international colleagues were doing on Space Resources. Scramble for the Skies has some decent information and history as to why countries are taking certain courses of action when it comes to space resources.
I plan to use this book as a reference in the future.
I read some chapters before heading to COPUOS LSC to get a better understanding of what (or why) my international colleagues were doing on Space Resources. Scramble for the Skies has some decent information and history as to why countries are taking certain courses of action when it comes to space resources.
I plan to use this book as a reference in the future.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews