Only a few countries have the technological capabilities to carry out large-scale missions. Despite the efforts to ensure a level playing field in the race to colonize space, some countries are ahead of others. And several countries are already following in the footsteps of the United States in carving off space for themselves.
Perseid meteorites streak over the stone dools near the village of Kuklica in the municipality of Kratovo, Northern Macedonia, an area of naturally formed stone pillars that resemble humans, on August 13, 2021.
Where Space Starts
Dr. Jill Stuart, the publisher of the journal Space Policy, told BBC: "There is no official definition of outer space."
She advocated that the Karman Line, which begins at roughly 62 miles (100 kilometers) above the Earth, be used as a worldwide norm of "physical demarcation." The imaginary line denotes the boundary between our planet's atmosphere and space. At that altitude, the atmosphere would be too thin to support aeronautical flight. To go to that altitude, planes would require a propulsion system that isn't reliant on the lift created by Earth's atmosphere.
To obtain the astronaut's wings, you must fly above the Karman line. According to that definition, Jeff Bezos (who traveled up 106 kilometers) is an astronaut, however, Richard Branson (who went up "only" 86 kilometers) is not.
Space Mining and Economic Growth
Asteroids contain vast quantities of precious minerals and metals. NASA will send a mission later this year to investigate the asteroid 16 Psyche, which experts believe has about US$10 quintillion in iron. Exploiting vast resource reserves like these and transferring them to Earth might provide spacefaring nations a significant boost while destabilizing the economy of countries that now rely on mineral and metal exports, Phys.org reported.
Helium-3, a rare form of helium isotope that scientists believe might be utilized in nuclear fusion processes without creating radioactive waste, is another valuable resource in space. While there are many technological challenges to solve before helium-3 becomes a viable energy source, there are enough reserves on the Moon and elsewhere in the solar system to provide Earth's energy needs for several millennia.
If powerful spacefaring countries can exploit and harvest helium-3 but refuse to share the advantages with other nations, long-term inequity may follow.
ALSO READ: What Is Up With Bennu's Missing Craters? Researchers Explain Asteroid's Age, Crumple Zone
Existing international space rules are inadequate to deal with the complex network of private corporations and countries vying for space resources. Countries are forming groupings, dubbed "space blocs," to agree on goals and criteria for future space missions.
The Artemis Accords, led by the United States, as well as combined Chinese and Russian plans, are both preparing missions to establish bases and prospective mining activities on the Moon.
The key entities in space are now setting rules for resource extraction. Rather than concentrating on what is best for everyone on Earth, competition may drive these decisions, causing damage to the space environment and war. History has shown that challenging established international conventions is difficult.
Low Earth Orbit
Due to the falling prices of satellite technology in recent years, more countries can profit from space. There are only so many sites in orbit above Earth where a satellite may be "parked," swiftly filling up.
The Conversation said a geostationary orbit, about 22,250 miles (35,800 kilometers) above the equator, offers the most excellent parking. Geostationary orbit allows a satellite to spin at the same rate as Earth while remaining directly over a single point on the planet's surface, which is ideal for telecommunications, broadcasting, and weather satellites.
At this rate, the leading space operators will quickly monopolize geostationary and low Earth orbits, possibly allowing access to critical satellite capabilities and adding to space trash.
Low Earth orbit is about 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) above the surface of the Earth. Satellites in low Earth orbit travel quickly in a crowded environment.
Takeaway
A modern nation's ability to operate requires access to space. As mankind moves closer to a future of space hotels and Mars settlements, space access will become increasingly crucial.
The founding instrument of space law, the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, states that space should be utilized "for the benefit and in the interests of all governments." Whether or not this is the case in the future will be determined by the policies in place now.
RELATED ARTICLE: Jeff Bezos vs. Elon Musk Space Race: Amazon's Blue Origin Unveils 'Project Kuiper' Plan Without SpaceX
Check out more news and information on Space in Science Times.
