Space power and Europe, in the need for a conceptual framework

Paper number

IAC-08.E3.2.9

Author

Mr. Nicolas Peter, European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), Austria

Year

2008

Abstract

Having reached its 50th anniversary, the Space Age has attained some degree of maturity; however recent years have been marked by changing geopolitics of the space context. In particular, there is an increasing internationalization and institutionalization of space activities as more and more governments invest in space activities throughout the world. 

Major space-faring countries have also been developing fully fledged national space policies to frame their domestic and international space activities. In parallel, space activities have, over the years been for pre-eminent countries increasingly been tied to national power that is the ability of a country to influence others through international diplomacy, economic incentives or pressure, cultural influence, or through the threat or application of military force. Space power has thus become an indispensable element of a country with global ambition’s portfolio.

Conceptually space power has attracted an increasing source of attention in the last five years and intense debates over this topic are taking place in the United States and to a lesser extend in China. However, while Europe possess the fundamental elements of space power it has been somewhat absent from the on-going debate and process of the development of space power theory.
 
This paper aims thus to present an overview of the concept of space power with a particular attention devoted to Europe in order to help to nurture contemporary conceptual discussions. This paper will first cover the fundamental principles of space power, as well as the effect of space power, it will then compare the space power abilities of major space-faring countries, and particularly of Europe. Finally, options for Europe to increase its overall space power will also be presented.

Abstract document

IAC-08.E3.2.9.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.E3.2.9.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.