Policy Considerations for Nascent Space Powers

Abstract

Abstract The luxuries of the modern-day living owe a lot to the services provided from outer space or passing through space. As the benefits of space technology permeate into our everyday lives, many new entrants, especially those from the developing regions of the world are initiating, synergizing, and expanding their national space programmes. Although having a space programme offers plenty of strategic and socioeconomic benefits and opportunities, it requires a high initial cost with most of the gains reaped in the long term. Therefore, the continual growth and long-term sustenance of a space programme is important for any nascent space power. Notwithstanding, the financial and technological constraints form a major caveat which, if not taken care of right from the onset, may seriously jeopardize the growth and in extreme situations, even endanger the long-term viability of the entire space programme. Hence, for nascent space powers, the ambition to do “big things” must start in small steps, articulated through a well-defined national space policy that can steer a correct direction for times to come. This article points toward\xa0the need to build space policies for nascent space powers that can justify the long-term investment in civil, commercial, and military programme applications of space technology. It identifies economic and technological constraints as the primary factors constraining nascent space powers that in turn govern the development of space policy. The article also identifies several of the macro-level challenges that need focused attention from policy makers and space programme managers for ensuring the development and sustainability of a viable space programme.