Crowded Orbits: Conflict and Cooperation in Space

Space has become increasingly crowded with the launch of satellites by countries, companies, and private individuals. Crowded Orbits provides an overview of space policy from an international perspective, examining technology, diplomacy, commerce, science, and military applications. It explores the tension between competition and cooperation in space, the challenges to existing governance mechanisms, and potential conflicts. The book offers policy recommendations to enhance international collaboration, scientific exploration, and military activities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2024
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Since the turn of the century, space has become increasingly crowded, with a growing number of countries, companies, and private individuals venturing into space exploration and becoming spacefarers. This phenomenon has led to a surge in the number of satellites being launched, as well as the development of new technologies and applications in the space sector.

Crowded Orbits: An International Perspective on Space Policy is a comprehensive book that offers readers a valuable primer on space policy from an international perspective. The second edition of this book has been thoroughly updated to cover events of the decade following its original publication in 2014, when the pace of competition to exploit space has accelerated dramatically.

In the book, James Clay Moltz examines the ongoing tension between competition and cooperation in space, tracing the geopolitical and policy consequences of key developments. Drawing on decades of experience, Moltz considers possible avenues for collaboration among the growing number of actors in the space sector, as well as the forces driving potential space-related conflicts.

Moltz also examines the challenges to existing treaties and other governance mechanisms that have struggled to keep up with the spread of technology. He provides policy recommendations to enhance international collaboration, further scientific exploration, and restrain harmful military activities.

The book features analysis of a range of topics, including the ongoing commercialization of space by companies such as SpaceX, Planet, and other start-up companies; new capabilities to monitor Earth from space; renewed tensions between the United States and rivals China and Russia in military activities; and emerging multinational competition on the Moon.

Overall, Crowded Orbits: An International Perspective on Space Policy is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of space policy and the growing importance of space exploration and exploitation in the 21st century.

Weight: 428g
Dimension: 147 x 224 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231207065
Edition number: second edition