Commentary
A discussion on the space race 75 years ago would highlight a series of achievements and competitions ping-ponging between the United States and the Soviet Union. In a 2025 post-cold war era, because of a series of post-soviet economic and political transitions and challenges, Russia no longer remains the sole major player alongside the United States—China has exploded onto the scene. This continued competition carries consequences of technological advancement, national security, economic supremacy, and the very balance of global power in the 21st century.
The race to dominate space is not simply about technology or exploration; it is about safeguarding the principles of democracy and international cooperation. While conflict is not inevitable, we hold the responsibility to protect and defend the final frontier. Should China be allowed to lead in space governance, it would set a dangerous precedent for how new frontiers are utilized in the future to progress an oppressive society’s belief systems, as they have shown in areas such as the Belt and Road initiative.
Sidelining democratic principles is not something the United States allows when gravity is at play, nor should it be allowed on the final frontier. Winning this race against China ensures that space remains a domain where transparency, free enterprise, and peace thrive, shaping the future of humanity’s exploration.
The creation of the U.S. Space Force in 2019 was met with both advocates and critics, yet the move was a pivotal moment for national security and symbolized a major realignment and reprioritization. By aggregating space-related military operations from several branches and entities under the Department of the Air Force, the United States made a clear statement that space is a critical domain. Establishing the Space Force prioritized and organized the U.S. military’s space-related operations and defense capabilities. Imagine a world in which the Trump 45 administration had held off on this critical infrastructure—the United States would be eight years behind. This move prompted folks to see space beyond a lens of exploration and raised awareness of space as a key battleground.
The United States continues to make notable advancements, but so too does China—as indicated through the Chinese increase in spending on exploration, infrastructure, and satellite deployment. While the United States is still the clear leader, having launched approximately 5,000 satellites, China’s increased launches, combined with its focus on military applications, demonstrate its intent to challenge U.S. dominance. Since the inception of the Chinese National Space Administration in 1992, China has launched more than 1,000 satellites and has made its intentions clear: It aims to surpass the United States in both technological and defense advancements on the final frontier. While not vocal on the national stage, both China and Russia have developed counter-space capabilities that pose a major risk for U.S. satellites with system capabilities aimed to kill our satellites through tracking, targeting, and striking capabilities.
Currently, the United States outspends China by a margin of $73 billion to $14 billion in government-funded space activities. This financial commitment has tangible benefits for U.S. national security. Our focus on maintaining competitive endurance in pacing this threat highlights the United States’ set position as the undisputed leader in space. Space showcases yet another example that economic growth through innovation, while maintaining prevailing democratic values through space governance over authoritarian regimes, is non-negotiable for the United States and our allies.
While the United States is making major strides, China’s expansion in this domain poses a direct challenge to U.S. leadership. As China continues to increase its spending and prominence in the space race, the United States must ensure its ability to maintain strategic advantages in orbit. This is prevalent in the face of anti-satellite technologies and space-based weaponry, which remain preeminent concerns to the United States and its allies. Although China has made impressive strides in space exploration, it still faces significant challenges compared with the United States, particularly in the areas of private sector involvement and space governance partnered with international cooperation.
As evidenced in the 2024 Commercial Space Strategy, leadership in space-based technology and innovation in partnership with the U.S. government includes the development of cutting-edge technologies: satellite constellations, space tourism, lunar exploration, and new resource exploration and development. While marred in competition, the advantage in this fight remains ours. Because of its democratic structure, the United States benefits from private sector innovation in concert with historical experience, military capabilities, and international partnerships with its allies. These advancements bolster U.S. economic growth and ensure that the United States prevails as the hub for the next generation of high-tech industries, on land and in space.
As the space race continues to evolve, should the United States keep its foot on the gas, these advantages will play a key role in maintaining its position as a global space leader.
From RealClearWire
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
