Earth, Moon’s Cislunar Space Is Becoming Overcrowded, May Result in War [Report]

As various nations compete to explore outer space, the universe is becoming overcrowded. A new report claims this may result in a "space war."

100 Space Missions Will Keep The Space 'Running Out Of Space'

The universe is vast, but in the past years, several satellites and missions have been launched, and more lunar missions will be launched in the next decade. Due to these, the cislunar space is becoming overcrowded.

Cislunar space is the area between the Earth and the Moon's orbit. It includes the five Lagrangian points that are stable in position about the Earth and Moon as they rotate about each other, according to The Space Option.

Jeff Bezo's Blue Origin and Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic are launching their moon missions. Other countries and private firms are doing the same.

According to Daily Star, there are 100 lunar missions due to be launched. Experts predict that the cislunar space will be rammed. There will be greater competition over satellite positioning, geopolitical conflicts and resources.

The outlet added that there is also a crash risk. There are already 2,000 active satellites orbiting Earth, and another 3,000 dead satellites are still up there.

China vs. USA in Lunar Missions

Both the United States and China have separate lunar missions. Laura Forczyk, executive director of the U.S. consultancy Astralytical, explained that while space appears spacious, the areas in specific orbits they were interested in were filling pretty fast. The U.S. and China are already feeling the competition.

The U.S. wants to fund its space initiatives because China is allegedly trying to get there and claim territory. China is making the same allegations against the United States.

Forczyk stressed that rival space agencies and commercial companies are eyeing the same orbits and trajectories, so there is a rivalry.

Marcus Holzinger, an aerospace engineering professor at the University of Colorado, U.S., spoke about the potential rivalry in resources in space. According to him, ice deposits on Moon or precious metals in asteroids could support human missions.

Holzinger said they saw the rubber hit the road due to potential geopolitical and commercial interests. Jim Myers, of research organisation The Aerospace Corporation, agreed they would be in trouble unless they do things "thoughtful way."

Outer Space Treaty

The Outer Space Treaty that entered into force in October 1967 was made to unite the different nations in case potential conflicts arise concerning space exploration. The treaty was led by three depository governments - the Russian Federation, the United States of America and the United Kingdom. 100 countries have signed it.

The treaty provides a basic framework for international space law. It has several principles to ensure safe and peaceful exploration in outer space.

For instance, the treaty orders that the Moon and other celestial bodies will be used for peaceful purposes only, space exploration should benefit all countries, outer space shall be free for exploration, and outer space is not subject to national appropriation by claim, so sovereignty.

Check out more news and information on Moon Mission in Science Times.