Introduction
The original Space Race was a contest between the USA and USSR, two global superpowers, who went head-to-head in an effort to outmatch each other with impressive feats in space. This competition sparked rapid technological development, with the USA emerging victorious after landing the first man on the Moon with Apollo 11.
More than 50 years have passed since Apollo 11, and following that achievement, an era of international collaboration in space began, best symbolised by the ISS, which still orbits our planet today. However, this period also saw significant cuts in the budgets of space agencies, leading to slower technological progress. Now, this trend appears to be reversing. New players, like China and India are entering the stage, and private companies are venturing into space, hinting that we might be heading toward a Space Race 2.0. So, are we at the dawn of a new space race, and if so, what might it entail?
The New Space Race
Space is becoming a more economically attractive industry, driven largely by an increasing demand for satellites. Additionally, asteroids with immense potential wealth are now being discovered regularly. Psyche 16, for instance, is estimated to be worth $10,000 quadrillion in metals. Even Neil deGrasse Tyson, the famous astrophysicist, commented, “The first trillionaire there will ever be is the person who exploits the natural resources on asteroids.”
However, reaching space remains no easy feat. The major hurdle is the enormous investment required, which puts many off. Most rockets are single-use, and this drives costs through the roof. Imagine if every aeroplane had to be destroyed after each flight—the costs of air travel would be unmanageable. That’s the reality for most rockets today—a one-way trip. For example, NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) costs $2.1 billion per launch, and the rocket is lost each time. This means space remains accessible only to a select few.
So, who is willing to take the risk of investing such massive sums, or how are they reducing these costs to make space more accessible?
NASA remains the obvious player in this new Space Race. In collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), NASA is working on various projects, with the Artemis programme aimed at returning humans to the Moon being its flagship mission. NASA remains the most powerful space agency, and this makes it likely that it will play a key role in the new space race. However, NASA must be cautious—its long reign at the top has perhaps created a false sense of security. Without further investment, NASA risks being overtaken by newer players entering the race.
One of these players is SpaceX, the private company founded by Elon Musk. SpaceX has made tremendous strides in the field of reusable rockets. It’s now a common sight to see the Falcon 9 first stage land on platforms in the middle of the sea, a feat that has drastically reduced launch costs. Musk’s vision goes beyond just cutting costs, though—he’s working on the Starship, a fully reusable rocket standing 120 metres tall, even higher than the Statue of Liberty. Musk aims not only to achieve frequent launches but also to send humans to Mars with this colossal rocket.
Starship is no longer just an ambitious idea—it’s becoming a reality. Its fifth flight test recently resulted in a successful splashdown of the upper stage in the Indian Ocean, while the booster was caught by the launch tower, an incredible technical feat. The next flight test is scheduled for early November. SpaceX is undoubtedly a key player in the space industry and will be crucial for the USA in this new space race. Currently, it’s the only American company, including NASA, capable of sending humans to the ISS.
However, SpaceX isn’t the only new player. China’s space agency, the CNSA, is developing new rockets rapidly. China has even constructed its own space station, the Tiangong. While the Chinese space programme is somewhat secretive, its growing capabilities are evident. The CNSA plans to land taikonauts on the Moon by 2030, positioning China as a serious competitor. If the USA doesn’t increase its focus, China could very well outpace it in the new Space Race.
India and Russia are also players to watch. India’s space programme is progressing at an impressive speed. Although still in its early stages, the pace of development suggests that India could soon become a significant space power. Meanwhile, Russia, despite its advanced space programme, has been held back by its involvement in military conflicts, which has led to international isolation and reduced investment in Roscosmos. If this continues, Russia could fall behind in this new space race.
Conclusion
The renewed interest in space and the influx of new players, both national and private, suggest that we may be at the beginning of a new era of exploration. But this time, it’s not just about national prestige—it’s about economic potential, technological advancement, and who will control the resources of space. Will international cooperation continue, or are we heading into an era of fierce competition for dominance in the final frontier?
Borja P, Year 12
*Artwork by leonardo.ai
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