Moon race, private competition in focus as space powers gather in Milan
The world’s leading space agencies have convened in Milan this week for the International Astronautical Congress (IAC), set against a backdrop of intensifying geopolitical rivalry. As nations vie for dominance in Earth’s orbit and lunar exploration, the private sector is stepping up, driven by the need to compete with Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
Since its inception in 1950, the IAC has served as a platform for collaboration among scientists, engineers, and policymakers, even amid global tensions. This year’s congress is particularly significant, bringing together representatives from the U.S. and China, the two leading space powers. Notably absent is Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, sidelined due to the geopolitical fallout from its invasion of Ukraine.
With nearly all of the 77 member countries of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) in attendance, discussions are expected to focus on lunar exploration and the Artemis program, led by NASA, which aims to establish a coalition for moon missions. IAF President Clay Mowry noted a record 7,197 technical abstracts submitted for this year’s conference, with 37% of presentations by students and young professionals, indicating a growing interest in space careers.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson is anticipated to advocate for the agency’s strategy of leveraging private companies to succeed the aging International Space Station (ISS), set to retire in 2030. The ISS has been a hallmark of U.S.-Russian cooperation, even during times of conflict, and NASA’s investment in Artemis reflects its commitment to maintaining a strong presence in low-Earth orbit amid China’s advancements with its Tiangong space station.
Both the U.S. and China are racing to send humans back to the moon, targeting the first crewed landing since the Apollo missions of the 1970s. This competition is influencing the strategies of smaller nations, as both superpowers court international partnerships and collaborate with private enterprises for their lunar ambitions.
European Focus on Space Policy
As the IAC unfolds, Italy is simultaneously advancing its legislative framework for the space industry, with a focus on guiding private investment and sustainable practices. Industry Minister Adolfo Urso emphasized the importance of these new regulations in achieving Italy’s objectives within the space sector.
Italy, a significant contributor to the European Space Agency, has committed 7.3 billion euros (approximately $7.98 billion) through 2026 for both national and European space initiatives. The rise of disruptive technologies and heightened competition, largely driven by SpaceX, has prompted Europe to reassess its priorities regarding satellite and launch capabilities.
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 has become a vital asset for Western countries, compelling nations to nurture new entrants in the space launch market. Europe recently regained uncrewed access to orbit with the Ariane 6 test flight, but the fallout from severing ties with Russia, which previously provided Soyuz rockets, has limited launch capacity.
Additionally, Europe’s satellite manufacturing sector is grappling with challenges posed by the emergence of low Earth orbit constellations like Starlink, which are reshaping the market landscape. In response, Italian defense giant Leonardo has called for a collaborative strategy among key players like Thales and Airbus, exploring the potential for consolidating satellite manufacturing efforts.
Industry insiders indicate that discussions are underway to create a unified European satellite operator, but such initiatives depend heavily on the approach of the new European Commission, which has previously opposed consolidation.
As NASA works to foster private replacements for the ISS, collaborations are forming across the Atlantic, exemplified by the recent joint venture between Airbus and U.S. firm Voyager, aimed at catering to European demands for low-Earth orbit research.
The IAC serves as a critical juncture for global space strategy, underscoring the intricate interplay of cooperation and competition in a rapidly evolving arena.
