"I shut my eyes in order to see".
Paul Gauguin (1848 - 1903)
I’ve always had a gravitational pull toward space warfare and space-related issues—a fascination that began back at Georgetown when I focused on space warfare and great power competition. Sure, my writings at the time for assignments could’ve used a bit more rocket fuel in terms of time and analysis, but it launched a lifelong curiosity. Space has been orbiting the back of my mind ever since, because I’m certain it’s one of the most critical and game-changing sectors of the 21st century.
A few years ago, I explored this further in an article, where I argued that the United States holds a decisive advantage in the space domain and upcoming space race—not just because it was an early mover, but because of the unique fusion of its innovation-driven culture and adaptive governmental structures.
The U.S. has dominated space since NASA’s launch in 1958, landing on the moon in 1969 and doubling down with Space Force in 2019. With agencies like DARPA and private giants like SpaceX (2002) and Blue Origin (2000), America’s innovation culture and public-private partnerships keep it ahead. Decades of daring, ingenuity, and strategic vision have propelled the U.S. to claim its throne as the unrivaled leader in space exploration.
Space is no longer just the final frontier—it’s the next arena for technology, commerce, and global power. If the U.S. doesn’t capitalize on its unique advantages, it risks losing ground in a race that will shape the future for decades.
More than advancing technology, space is reshaping foreign policy. What was once about exploration and prestige is now a high-stakes battleground for strategic competition, alliances, and geopolitical influence.
Space has the potential to redraw global influence, shift power balances, and create new avenues for both collaboration and conflict on a scale we’ve never seen before.
As countries like China and Russia develop satellite constellations and space-based defense systems, and others like India and the UAE pursue ambitious lunar resource strategies or missions, the dynamics of power are shifting.
Where challenges arise, so do opportunities. The United States has a golden chance to redefine its relationships with Africa and the Middle East—not through handouts, but through bold, business-driven partnerships in cutting-edge sectors. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are making ambitious strides in space exploration, while nations like Nigeria and Rwanda are launching satellite programs to enhance connectivity and spur transformative growth.
By collaborating on technology, innovation, and infrastructure, the U.S. can deepen ties, support regional ambitions, and position its businesses at the forefront of these transformative efforts. This approach not only strengthens partnerships but also ensures shared economic growth and global influence.
In fact, Starlink is already making strides in Africa, addressing the continent’s connectivity challenges by providing high-speed satellite internet to underserved areas. For example, Starlink is operational in Nigeria and Rwanda, offering internet access to regions where traditional infrastructure is limited. With over 71% of Africa still offline, Starlink’s potential impact is immense. By supporting and expanding Starlink’s reach, the U.S. not only showcases its technological excellence but also strengthens engagement with developing countries, building deeper ties through innovation.
Unlike China and Russia, whose space strategies often stall under the weight of limited scalability and one-sided approaches, U.S.-led space initiatives can boldly combine innovation with economic opportunity.
By focusing on cutting-edge sectors like satellite internet and digital infrastructure, the U.S. can position itself as the go-to partner for nations across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond—offering not just technology, but a collaborative vision for progress in an increasingly competitive space race.
The U.S. shouldn’t just aim for the stars—it should embrace its role as a leader in unlocking the limitless potential of the universe.