Your Place in Space : Recent Episodes
Nebula Media
Space is more than the final frontier, it is the next necessary step for humanity. After nearly a decade in real estate and telecom finance, futurist and founder of Nebula Space Enterprise, Inc., Michael Bloxton discovered his life's mission and for space. His journey has convinced him that we need space and space needs you.
Join Mike as he discusses the future of the space industry with the world's leading experts across an array of verticals: satellites, space-based cloud computing, global space policy, unlimited space-based energy, defense, blockchain, cryptocurrency, cybersecurity, and beyond.
She is a renowned author, scholar, and speaker. Her extensive research and deep knowledge of global space powers and space policy have made her insights invaluable to the world’s leaders and decision-makers. Dr. Namrata Goswami joins Michael Bloxton, CEO and Founder of Nebula Space Enterprise, in Episode 2 of the Your Place in Space podcast to discuss Space Powers in the World Today.
Key Take Aways
- While 77 countries currently have space programs, including smaller countries like Uganda and Singapore, the United States, China, and Russia are leading the race to dominate space. Many don't realize how close this space race is. China has written space dominance into The China Dream (China’s constitution) and Russia has already launched nuclear power plants into space. India is making competitive strides. (Learn more about freedom in space in Episode 1 of Your Place in Space, The Space Race for Freedom with Lt. Gen. Steven Kwast, USAF (RET).)
- The US leads in terms of space technology and capacity, but China is close behind. Russia inherited the Soviet Union's space program when the USSR collapsed, making them a third major space power. India is the fourth major global space power making great strides in the private sector.
- China’s CEO and chairman set the vision and path forward for the corporation (i.e. country), and everything else is there to support
them. This top-down structure is different from that of India or the US, where there is more pushback against decisions made by those
in charge. - Dr. Goswami highlights that the Communist Party of China is ideologically driven. They view themselves as having been humiliated during a century of colonialism and exploitation by Western powers. Their focus is on developing China in a way that showcases the attractiveness of Chinese communism to the world and rejuvenates Chinese civilization and culture.
- China has spent many years and a lot of money on STEM to produce a skilled workforce that can contribute globally. India has focused on developing engineering institutes to develop skills within as well. A primary difference between the US and China in R&D investment allocation is where the investment is coming from. In the US, it’s Silicon Valley. In China, it’s the government.
- Despite a stark contrast in political and cultural values, there are opportunities for American engagement with China's space program, including setting global rules and regulations, potentially through the United Nations (UN).
- In the next few years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will play a critical role in ensuring that space remains accessible and open to middle powers. The UAE has strong military power projection capabilities and close relationships with countries like Russia, a leading global space power.
- The US government needs a clear vision to maintain a lead in the space race. That being said US Constitution was written to empower the federal government to support infrastructure, not do everything. There is hope for success in space with today’s entrepreneurs in the private sector. Because of this, there is a real opportunity for humanity and for morality. While most people are good and want good things, there are bad actors out there, and it is essential to structure space governance for the good of all people.
Michael Bloxton, CEO & Founder of Nebula Space Enterprise, Inc, interviews Lieutenant General Steven Kwast, USAF (RET). After serving 33 years in the US military, during which he trained hundreds of thousands of troops and received five medals for distinguished service, he continues to be a champion for freedom in space.
Key Take Aways:
- Space can benefit humanity both on Earth and in the greater Universe. Many don’t realize how reliant we already are on space and space-based technology. This opportunity is not lost on global powers and governments. Over 75 countries have space programs, with the US, China, and Russia leading.
- With the great opportunity in space, comes the potential for great profit, a struggle for power, and a resulting potential for human exploitation. As the west and Americans know it, freedom may not be defined the same way by other countries and governments seeking to dominate space. Freedom in space and on Earth is not guaranteed. This is why Kwast has pushed for creating a United States Space Force.
- It has been difficult for people to realize the universal picture and what is at risk if the US does not move quickly. Other countries, such as China, Russia, and India, are investing a lot of money in their space programs. China is not far behind us in investment, and they have written space dominance into their constitution. To compete, the US must not only invest financially, but invest in a unified mission and vision to achieve the same, and fast, or there is much to lose. The country with the high ground is the country with the military and economic advantage.
- Space already plays a prominent role in humanity’s existence, whether it is acknowledged or not. Starlink and Ukraine is just one example. Space governance will shape the future of humanity and it must be designed carefully so all may pursue happiness freely and enjoy the benefits the universe has to offer.