A New Race in Space: Geopolitics Meets the Commercial Space Sector

The global space community is focusing its attention on Milan this week, where the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) is taking place. The conference is marked by growing geopolitical rivalries that are reigniting the race to conquer Earth's orbit and the lunar surface. Particularly, private sectors are striving to challenge Elon Musk's dominant company, SpaceX. Since its inception in 1950, the IAC has provided a platform for exchange among scientists, engineers, companies, and political leaders from nations active in space exploration. Despite current tensions among major powers, the focus of this year's event is on collaboration in space exploration, even among rivals such as the U.S. and China. Diplomatic considerations still exclude Russia, represented through its space agency Roscosmos, following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The event attracts nearly all 77 member countries of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), which are deeply engaged in lunar exploration, NASA's Artemis program, and the necessity for Europe to expand its independence in accessing space. A record number of 7,197 technical abstracts have been submitted for the conference program this year, with a notable contribution from young scientists. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson is seeking to garner support for increased private collaboration to compensate for the aging status of the International Space Station beyond 2030. While the Artemis program attracts billions in investments, the U.S. is competing against China's Tiangong space station to achieve the next milestone in manned lunar landing. European priorities are also shifting. Italy is currently developing the first legal framework for its space program, which encompasses both national and European projects. Innovative technologies and competition are driving Europe towards new priorities in the space technology sector, particularly concerning the launch of carrier rockets and satellites. Within the framework of the IAC platform, European companies such as Leonardo, Thales, and Airbus are discussing potential mergers of their satellite businesses to remain competitive in the global market. Transatlantic cooperations are playing a growing role, as evidenced by the recent partnership between Airbus and Voyager Space Operations to support European demand in low Earth orbit.