In a time when the debate surrounding Space Force policy and its impact in 2050 continues to swirl in the beltway, China is moving ahead at an alarming pace. The country has recently announced the successful return of moon dirt, showcasing its strides in Earth orbit and moon colonization. Not only has China aligned itself with Russia, but concerns have been raised about its collaboration with Iran and North Korea against western democratic ideals.
Government agencies, including the Government Accountability Office, have sounded the alarm on the urgent need for the U.S. space community to step up its efforts in the Great Power Competition. Failure to do so could result in a loss of deterrence capabilities and economic strength that rely heavily on space technology. Xi Jinping’s aggressive military preparations, especially in the space sector, highlight the need for the U.S. to catch up quickly in order to maintain its edge.
The American economy has historically been a powerhouse of innovation and scale, leading in various sectors from energy to aviation. However, the U.S. has fallen behind in space technology in recent years. Efforts such as the establishment of the U.S. Space Force and NASA’s Artemis Accords have been steps in the right direction. Companies like SpaceX have played a crucial role in revitalizing the U.S. space program, emphasizing the need for more diverse capabilities and capacities in the sector.
To accelerate progress in advanced space capabilities, streamlining requirements and prioritizing on-orbit delivery are essential. Government agencies must approve urgent mission needs quickly, incentivize rapid delivery, and focus on existing technology rather than impractical fantasies. By encouraging innovation in the private sector and demanding urgent delivery timelines, the Space Force can lead in the effective application of industry’s best space technology for the warfighter.
The U.S. faces a pressing need to match China’s agility and innovation in the space sector. Leadership in government and industry must work together to harness the full potential of commercial space capabilities and ensure American dominance in space. The urgency of the situation cannot be stressed enough, as losing the second space race after winning the first would be a devastating blow to the nation’s future. Now is the time to act decisively and unleash the full potential of U.S. space capabilities to secure victory in the Great Power Competition.
Efforts should be focused on delivering results quickly and efficiently to ensure American leadership in space. Learning from past successes, such as the Apollo 11 mission, the U.S. must prioritize action over talk in order to keep pace with competitors like China. The Space Force must uphold its mission to lead in space and deliver on its goals swiftly. The stakes are high, and failure to act decisively could lead to losing the race for space dominance, a scenario that must be avoided at all costs.
