Geopolitical Risks of Monopolised Infrastructure in Orbit: The Case of Starlink

Geopolitical Risks of Monopolised Infrastructure in Orbit: The Case of Starlink

In recent years, the rapid ascent of Starlink has redefined the balance of power in low Earth orbit (LEO) and brought with it some international risk. Backed by SpaceX and supported by the U.S. Government, Starlink now operates the majority of active satellites in space, with more than 6,500 already deployed and thousands more planned….

Episode 246: Starlink and the Shifting Dynamics of Space Governance

In this week’s Monday episode, we explore the shifting dynamics of space governance with Chilean space policy expert Victoria Valdivia Cerda. Dominic and Victoria examine how the growing entanglement between state power and commercial space actors is reshaping global norms. They discuss the challenges posed by the monopolisation of low Earth orbit, the blurred boundaries…

Commercial Ascendancy in Space: Navigating the Nexus of Innovation and Security

Commercial Ascendancy in Space: Navigating the Nexus of Innovation and Security

The ascent of commercial enterprises in space has redefined the contours of global exploration, propelling technological frontiers while casting intricate challenges to international security. No longer the sole province of state actors, the orbital domain now thrums with private ventures deploying vast satellite networks and envisioning extraterrestrial habitats. This transformation, however, invites a pressing question:…